Reward Your Grad, or Yourself!
May 29th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
It’s the season for graduation, high schoolers and college students across the nation are taking their march across the stage onto bigger and better things. Congratulations to you all! What’s next for you? Summer road trips with friends, off to college, an insightful hiatus to find your calling? Whatever it may be, the last thing you need is a hiccup from unpredictable or undependable transportation.
The 2012 Kia Forte Sedan and Hatchback were just named by Total Car Score as “Top Cars for College Grads.” The web-based automotive retailer said that styling, spaciousness, technology, and interior materials made the 2012 Forte the most affordable and desirable car for 2012. It’s affordability provides owners with new car peace of mind at a used car price. With the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, the road ahead is ready for travel free of concern and disruption.
Surprise your graduate, or reward yourself for all your hard work by making a trip to Battleground Kia in Greensboro, NC where we offer attractive lease and financing options with surpassing customer service.
May 21st, 2012 § Leave a Comment
We all know that the 2012 Kia Sportage owns the Small SUV category, but here’s a little confirmation from USAA.
For the second year in a row, USAA named the Kia Sportage as Best Value in the Small SUV category. The Sportage’s competitive price and low insurance costs are attributed for its rise atop the Best Value list. The 2012 Kia Sportage is fancied for its affordability, crash test scores, build quality and fuel economy.
“The Kia Sportage being named to USAA’s Best Value list for the second year in a row is not only indicative of this utility’s affordability factor, but also validates it as one of the most well-rounded offerings in its segment,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors. “The Sportage is the ideal vehicle for anyone who seeks a lively crossover that is comfortable and offers an abundance of safety features and amenities.”
There are nearly 80 cars, trucks and minivans that USAA currently names as Preferred Vehicles as recommendation to their customers. The Best Value list refers to the vehicles that top off each category. It’s no surprise to Battleground Kia that the 2012 Sportage made the Small SUV list – our low prices, available models and selection are why you should come down to Battleground Kia and experience it for yourself!
8 Smart Splurges for Your Vehicle
May 14th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Some things just aren’t worth all of the bells and whistles. Then there are things that we believe you should never settle for. Here are 8 things that Battleground Kia recommends not only settling for, but splurging on!
Tires:
Everyone dreads shopping for new tires. Many times, people toss in the towel shortly after beginning the experience and settle for the least expensive set of tires. That can do you more harm than good, especially in the long run. Tires are the single-most important thing that car owners purchase to affect the safety, handling and ride of your vehicle.
Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what tires are best for your car. That’s part of the frustration for shoppers. Making a good choice on new tires takes some homework. Check out this tool from TireRack.com to help you choose your next set of tires.
Navigation Systems:
Many people shy away from the built in navigation system that many newer vehicles offer because of the sometimes thousands of dollars of increase in the price. It’s hard to justify paying that when many cell phones have the same capabilities. The advantage of built-in systems is the safety. Many times, the built-in systems have a larger screen, accommodates a rearview camera, and serves as a multifunction display allowing you to control many aspects of driving in one area. Check out the Navi in the 2012 Optima and Sorento!
A Nice Towel:
To some, washing the care means simply taking it to the car wash. For others, it’s a weekend chore or even a ritualistic driveway display. A nice, microfiber drying cloth, like Meguiar’s Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel, can go a long way in keeping your vehicle looking good for years to come. Not only will having a towel like this save you time in laundry, it will also help prevent scratching your paint. You definitely don’t want to scuff the shine on your new 2012 Kia Soul!
Safety Options:
Nowadays, the government regulates some safety features to give you assured value and safety but there are still options left up to the consumer. Blind-spot information systems use radars or cameras to let you know if if something is in your blind-spot. Another practical tool, collision avoidance systems, can sense when drivers are running out of stopping time and intervene to tighten seatbelts, make brakes more sensitive, raise headrests, and close the sunroof, along with warning you with lights and sounds. It’s rare to see packages without high-intensity discharge xenon headlights, but they are certainly worth the splurge. These brighter, whiter-burning bulbs bring an undeniable safety margin.
Windshield Wiper Blades:
Most new vehicles feature “beam-type” wiper blades and owners of older vehicles can now buy these aftermarket when it’s time to replace the current ones. Manufacturers like Trico and Bosch have developed the replacement blades that offer better view of the road ahead have less chances of the blade freezing up in slushy winter diving.
Synthetic Oil:
The argument for how often to change yore vehicle’s oil may never die, but we recommend you do whatever you car manual says. The extra price of using synthetic oil can bring peace of mind to car enthusiasts and maintenance procrastinators alike.
Factory-Installed Sound Systems:
Aftermarket sound systems used to be the way to go for superior sound for a fraction of the price. Today, manufacturers offer more options, at a more affordable price. The complex dash designs diminish the cost effectiveness of going aftermarket. We recommend sticking with the manufacturer’s upgrade options if you are looking to boost your sound.
Car Clubs:
Just because cars are getting more reliable and your chances of being stranded lessen each year, we still recommend joint car clubs for those unpredictable moments of flat tires, locked-in keys, and times where the gas station is a bit further than the gas tank will allow for.
Have any questions or want clarification? Come by Battleground Kia in Greensboro, NC where we are happy to help you improve your car’s drivability. Feel free to quiz our sales staff or service department, we are here to serve you!
Catch the Beat
May 14th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
1: AUTOMOTIVE NEWS SELECTS 2011 ALL-STARS
Of course, that included Kia executives. Automotive News, North America’s leading trade publication, rolled out a line-up that featured Kia CEO B.M. Ahn (voted top U.S. executive of an Asian automaker) and chief design officer Peter Schreyer. Way to go, team.
2: NOVEMBER SALES MARK KMA’S 15TH CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY SALES RECORD
That would be 37,007 units sold, a 39.1% increase over November 2010. Somebody’s buying Kia, that’s obvious.
3: KIA OPTIMA HYBRID NAMED TO “TOP 10 CARS OF THE YEAR” LIST BY HISPANIC MOTOR PRESS ASSOCIATION
The HMPA, which represents the highly-influential Hispanic sector of the US population, voted the streamlined Optima the country’s top alternative power-plant vehicle. Green has never looked so sexy.
4: BLOGGER DESIGNATES KIA AS BEST LA AUTO SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE
Top digital media and PR blogger Cindy Ronzoni made the call – saying Kia has the “best commercials for its products and some of the best advertising.” When a brand rules the information highways as well as the blacktop, it’s obviously on a roll.
5: ADVERTISING AGE NAMES KIA “ONE OF THE HOTTEST BRANDS”
After viewing Kia’s CGI hamster ads for the Soul, what else could they say?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEcjtqYztdg
6: KIA MOTORS’ WESTERN REGION SPONSORS LOCAL GOLF AND SOCCER TOURNAMENTS
Civic-minded Kia organized benefit tournaments for the Los Angeles Clippers Foundation, the Land of the Free Foundation, the United Soccer Foundation, and California State University. Now that’s classy.
Come on, head over to Battleground Kia of Greensboro and catch the beat.
Source: KiaNow! Newsletter, Issue 141, Dec. 2011
Kia, Saving Customers Money Throughout Life of Vehicle
May 7th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Battleground Kia of Greenboro is pleased to announce the results of a new Kelley Blue Book study: Kia’s stellar fuel economy, great mileage, steadily improving quality and, of course, low cost make Kia the ultimate car for skinflints.
Measuring Kia against brands like Audi, Nissan, Chevrolet and scores of others, Kelly Blue Book concluded that the total cost of ownership is lower for a Kia than for any other vehicle. You can check out the study here: http://www.kbb.com/new-cars/hastotalcostofownership/ Total cost of ownership includes not just an initial low price, but how much it costs to maintain, drive and repair your car throughout its lifetime.
“Car shoppers should take the time to compare vehicles on their consideration lists to fully understand the financial implications involved with cost of ownership,” cautions Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book. “While a vehicle might be less expensive up front, the cost of fuel for that model, insurance and other expenditures could make it the less appealing choice for their wallet in the long run.”
Kia passes that test with flying colors, consistently delivering long-term value in brands like the Soul, Sportage and Optima. Now there’s something for misers to be happy about.
So pay a visit to Battleground Kia of Greensboro and check out the most cost-efficient cars in the world. We might just make you merry in spite of yourself.
The Bottom Line on MSNBC.com, Paul Eisenstein: “Kia may be best brand for skinflint car owners.”
Customers Can’t Get Enough of Kia
April 30th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
According to Experian Automotive’s quarterly industry loyalty studies, customers simply can’t stay away from Kia. Battleground Kia of Greensboro is delighted to announce Kia’s newest accolade: our company snagged the top individual brand loyalty ranking in the US, with 47.9 % of 2011 Kia owners coming back in 2012 to purchase a new Kia.
Moreover, three Kias (the Soul, Forte and Forte Koup) placed in Experian’s top-ten loyalty ratings for individual models – the Forte hit first place, with a jaw-dropping 67.7 percent rating. (With its sport-tuned transmission, wireless steering technology and state-of-the-art sound system, it’s no wonder.) Wouldn’t you buy a second beast like this?
Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Kia Motors America, credits Kia’s savvy design for the brand’s continuing appeal: “Our design-led transformation has delivered nine new vehicles in less than three years and we are not only seeing more and more new consumers come into Kia showrooms, but also a sharp increase in owners returning and purchasing another Kia vehicle.” Well, something seems to be working.
Ready to upgrade your Kia? Stop by Battleground Kia of Greenboro today, where we are always eager to help.
2012 Kia Rio – Top Choice for Your Teen
April 24th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Vroomgirls.com, a top new-car website for women featuring honest, informative, and jargon-free vehicle reviews, honored the 2012 Kia Rio with high acclaims to be one of the “6 Best New Cars for your Teenager.” Vroomgirls.com praised the Rio for its modern styling, excellent fuel economy, and exceptional value. With a base price of $13,400, Vroomgirls.com loved the Kia Rio for amenities such as USB connectivity and steering wheel controls. Boasting available features such as the in-dash navigation system, the 2012 Kia Rio is the perfect fit for your young driver.
Not only will the youngsters appreciate the features on the 2012 Kia Rio, parents understand the value behind Kia’s 10 year/10,000 mile warranty, fuel economy and safety features. Peace of mind is just around the corner at Battleground Kia of Greensboro, where we offer of the largest new and used car selections in the region. Bring your teen down to Battleground Kia and let our excellent team show you why everyone is ranting about the 2012 Kia line-up!
KIA Community Assist Award – Gerald Henderson of Bobcats
April 17th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Announcing the recipient of the Kia Community Assist Award for March, Kia and the NBA recognize Gerald Henderson of the Charlotte Bobcats for his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work. Henderson is a recognized on behalf of his continuous support of military members and their families as well as students in the local Charlotte community.
“It’s an honor to receive this award and I accept this on behalf of my teammates and the Charlotte Bobcats,” Henderson said. “As a professional athlete, I feel I have an obligation both on and off the court to give back to the community that has continued to show its loyal and unbiased support.”
Henderson has shown his support of the community through many avenues including hosting 50 wounded warriors to a Bobcats game with a meet and greet and private suite. Henderson has also pursued his philanthropic aspirations through visiting high school students in classroom settings to express his concern for excellence in the classroom and to offer advice on how he juggled being a student athlete and the importance of setting higher standards as a student. As a recipient of the Kia Community Assist Award, Henderson will receive the David Robinson Plaque to honor his off-court achievements and Kia and the NBA will donate $10,000 to The Beason on Independence which provides housing for our nation’s homeless veterans.
Movin’ On Up!
April 6th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Kia Motors hit unprecedented benchmarks for the month of March with an all-time best monthly sales total with over 57,000 cars sold, a 30 percent increase from the same period in 2011. Leading the charge, the Kia Optima, Sorento and Soul accounted for over 67 percent of March’s sales.
As a whole, Kia’s sales are up 32 percent year-to-date and March marked the first month of Kia selling more than 50,000 vehicles. Fuel efficiency seems to be a priority for consumers as 80 percent of March’s sales consisted of vehicles achieving more than 30 miles per gallon.
Kia’s recently earned clout of consumer choice, safety recognition and fuel efficiency have Kia Motors climbing the charts and reaching the 17th consecutive year of market share growth.
With Kia Motors on such a tear, there’s no better time to visit your local Triad Kia Dealer. Battleground Kia in Greensboro is your one-stop source for all things Kia. Join the movement!
Stay Safe with the Kia Sportage
April 2nd, 2012 § Leave a Comment
The Kia Sportage is for dummies…crash test dummies, that is.
Battleground Kia of Greenboro is pleased to announce the Kia Sportage’s latest accolade: a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Thorough as always, the NHTSA subjected the Sportage to countless varieties of traffic accidents, including frontal crash, side barrier, side pole and rollover crashes. The tough compact SUV emerged almost unscathed, with a combination of four- and five-star ratings across categories that qualified it for a resounding overall win.
The Sportage’s stellar ratings are impressive – due to increased NHTSA safety requirements, it’s harder every year for a car to win five stars. Kia is one of only 9 brands to make the cut for the 2012 model year. And that’s no accident.
So head on over to Battleground Kia of Greenboro and check out our safe (and affordable) 2012 lineup. You’d have to be a real dummy to pass up the Sportage.
Source: Cars.com: Kicking Tires blog, 2012 Dodge Charger, Kia Sportage Earn Five-Star Safety Rating
