USAA Names Kia Sportage To 2012 Best Value List

Being a younger sibling myself, I know the feeling of sometimes being overshadowed by an older sibling.  In the overall Hyundai Corporation, which includes both Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors, it is Hyundai (especially the Elantra) that has been accumulating accolades and awards left and right.  But little sister Kia is catching up and making a name for herself as well.

2012 Kia Sportage

The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) came out with their second annual "Best Value" vehicles list, which identifies the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories that give consumers the most bang for their buck.  The Kia Sportage was crowned "Best Value" in the small SUV category for the second consecutive year, recognized for offering a competitive price and low insurance costs as well as being one of the Small SUV Top Safety Picks for 2012 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category," said Steve Thompson, an assistant vice president at USAA.  "The Kia Sportage rose to the top as a vehicle that offers these key elements, making it a great buy for the value-minded consumer."

In addition to the "Best Value" list, the USAA also compiled a Top Ten for Teens list. The USAA commissioned a survey of parents asking what they value most in a car for their teenage children.  The top three parental considerations are reliability (81%), safety (73%), and affordable auto insurance (62%).  Another Kia model, the Kia Forte, ranks as one of their top ten cars based on these factors.

These new titles of high value are just some of the latest positive press Kia Motors is garnering.  Kia Motors America (KMA) has seen 20 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth, and has been saluted by NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, by having three of its vehicles - Rio 5-Door SX, Forte SX and Soul + - named to the publication's "Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K" list. Kia placed more vehicles than any other automaker on the top ten list.

"Having three of our vehicles named to NADAguides' 'Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K' list validates how far our brand has come in terms of quality, packaging and features development in such a short period of time," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, KMA. "With the presence and eye-catching style of Rio, Forte and Soul, Kia's complete vehicle line is comprised of a wide breadth of capable offerings at very affordable price points."

Teenage Dream

What 16 year old with a brand new license doesn't imagine hitting the road in his dream car with all the works? And what parent of a 16 year old with a brand new license doesn't dread that same fantasy? With the Kia Rio, both the parent and the child can feel happy with that teenager behind the wheel.

According to Vroomgirls.com, the premier automotive website for and by women, the Kia Rio has been dubbed one of the "Six Best Nhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifew Cars For Your Teenager." The combination of safety features, excellent fuel economy, and affordable pricing with a stylish exterior, USB connectivity, and easy-to-use dashboard makes for a car that appeals to both the parent and the teenager.

"Parents want a safe, reliable car for their kids, but teens only care about what's cool," said Tara Weingarten, Vroomgirls.com Editor-in-Chief. "The 2012 Kia Rio checks both of those boxes."

The Rio comes as both a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. Both models offer the kind of amenities everyone can appreciate, no matter what your age. The estimated 30 MPG city and 40 MPG highway means the Rio is the most-fuel efficient car of the six listed. A USB-compatible stereo with steering-wheel controls allows teens to listen to their music without taking their eyes off the road. The Rio also has either a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty for the whole car, or a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty on the engine, transmission and driveline. Any way you look at it, this car gives you a great deal, no matter if you're 16 or 46.

You Are What You Eat

The President of the United States will host the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 9, 2012. Obviously, President Obama wants only the best for his guests. Therefore, he’s hired Willow Tree, a family owned business from Attleboro, Massachusetts to serve their famous chicken salad at this prestigious White House event.

While hearing about this prized dish makes you want to go all the way to Attleboro, Massachusetts just to try Willow Tree’s chicken salad, learning Starbucks’ key ingredient in their Strawberry Frappuccino may make you rethink your coffee store of choice. One would assume the red coloring of the Strawberry Frappuccino would be from the strawberries. Unfortunately, that’s apparently not the case. Starbucks uses cochineal, a red extract made from dried out cochineal bugs.

Starbucks says they want to move away from artificial ingredients. While this is a nice sentiment, the thought of drinking something that has crushed up bugs in it is a huge turn-off for me. While the FDA has announced cochineal as safe for consumption, one wonders what the Phantom Gourmet would have to say on the subject.

For those of you who aren’t from New England and have never heard of the Phantom Gourmet (or for those of you who are from New England yet haven’t heard of him), the Phantom Gourmet is a mysterious food critic who visits restaurants all around New England and provides the public with reviews.

The company was founded by the Andelman brothers, Dave, Dan, and Mike. These three, together with twelve others, make up the Phantom Gourmet team. The only mystery man is the Phantom himself; his identity has been kept a secret since 1993.

Thanks to the Phantom Gourmet team, Massachusetts passed its Restaurant Rejuvenation Act, which states that restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol Sunday at 10 AM. They then went on to form the Restaurant and Business Alliance, a state-wide trade association meant to give restaurants and businesses a strong voice in government and media.

Check out the Phantom Gourmet’s website, where you can find all you need to know about him, the various restaurants he’s visited, and any upcoming events.

You can watch the Phantom Gourmet on television. In the greater Boston area on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 and 11:00 AM, in Maine, on Sundays at 11:00 AM, and in Rhode Island at 10:00 AM on Sundays. The show is also live on the radio, on station 96.9 FM on Saturdays from 4 to 7 PM.

2012 Kia Sorento Named to "10 Best Family Cars of 2012" List By Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com

Kia's Popular CUV Receives Honor for Second Year in a Row

-- The brand's best-selling vehicle delivers safety, comfort and functionality for true family car appeal

-- Sorento's affordability and low cost of ownership make it an impressive overall value

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning Kia Sorento is again in the limelight, this time being named to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com coveted "10 Best Family Cars of 2012" list. The ultra-popular CUV enjoys this accolade for a second year in a row. Lauded for its outstanding drivability, functionality, refinement and comfort, the Sorento has defined a number of milestones for Kia, including becoming the first model in the product line to surpass 100,000 sales in a single year as well as being Kia's first U.S.-built(1) vehicle at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Ga.

"Sorento's achievement of being recognized as one of the '10 Best Family Cars of 2012' by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com is a testament to its exceptional safety, comfort and feature content," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. "As Kia's best-selling vehicle, Sorento's low cost of ownership has resulted in strong consumer ratings, making it a favorite among family buyers."

Editors from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com evaluated vehicles based on several main criteria important to family car buyers, including safety, child-friendliness, comfort, economy of operation – which factors fuel consumption, insurance premiums and repair costs – and resale value. The kbb.com editors selected the vehicles that offer the best combination of these characteristics and the highest overall value for everyday families.

Kbb.com editors underscored the Sorento's available three row seating capacity and highway fuel economy of 32 miles-per-gallon(2). "Good fuel economy is only part of the story," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "The Sorento starts under $24,000 and offers a voice-controlled infotainment system plus a great big panoramic moonroof."

For more information about kbb.com's "10 Best Family Cars of 2012," visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-best-family-cars-of-2012/.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(3) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(4). Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan(5). Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

(1) Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts (2) EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and 32 mpg/highway for 2012 Sorento 2WD with optional 2.4L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary. (3) Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study (4) Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis (5) Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG

Kia, Hyundai Both Named Most Economical Cars Of 2012 By Forbes, Kelly Blue Book

Initial cost is not the only thing that makes a car an economical purchase. It's actually the long-term investment aspect that plays the biggest role. A cheaper vehicle up-front may, in actuality, cost more to maintain over its lifespan. “Car shoppers should take the time to compare vehicles on their consideration lists to fully understand the financial implications involved with cost of ownership,” says 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.” Forbes recommends doing thorough research before making a purchase. They consulted Kelley Blue Book, which recently announced its inaugural Total Cost of Ownership Awards. The kbb.com website focuses on these variables of cost, among others:

1. Depreciation Value: How will the car hold up over time? kbb.com bases its predictions on historical data (how the model has performed in the past) and economic factors.
2. Fuel Economy: Gas is expected to rise going into the summer months. Significant amounts of money can be saved by buying a more fuel efficient vehicle; estimates put savings due to fuel costs at close to $900/year. That's close to $4500 of savings over the standard 5-yr span.
3. Auto Insurance: Insurance is mostly based on the driver's past experience, age, credit rating, address, etc., but it is also based on the model of the car. Luxury brands and sports cars tend to have higher insurance costs to start, while family minivans and SUVs will have a lower starting insurance cost.

According to kbb.com, the Best Brand for 2012 in their Total Cost of Ownership Awards is none other than Kia. Kia is sweeping the Unites States car scene off its feet with its stellar fuel economy and resale value. The Kia Soul heads KBB's Compact Car category because "its lowest-in-category fair purchase price matched with outstanding fuel and insurance cost figures combined to give it nearly a $1,300 advantage over the Hyundai Elantra." In the Mid-Sized car category Kia and its sister company Hyundai switched places; the Hyundai Sonata beat out Kia's Optima to win the top spot. Similarly, the Hyundai Santa Fe outpaced the Kia Sorento in the Crossover category "based on its combination of lowest fair purchase price and lowest long-term depreciation coupled with lower maintenance and insurance costs."

Best In Show: Kia Optima

2012 has been a very good year already for the North Korean automaker Kia. Kia cars have been garnering awards and accolades for their newest models left and right. The latest of these honors is the Kia Optima's title of "2012 Car of the Year" by Canada's Motoring TV, a weekly national half hour magazine style television program. The Optima also scored Motoring TV's "Best New Family Car" and the Kia Rio won "Best Small Car Under $21,000" category. Kia's win marks the first time in the 22-year history of giving out these distinctions that Motoring TV has awarded the same company "Car of the Year" back-to-back. The Kia Sportage earned the designation last year.

"The Kia Optima can be all things to all potential customers," said Brad Diamond of Motoring TV. "You have the regular sedan, the go faster model with its 274 turbo charged horsepower, and hybrid for those looking to do their bit for the planet."

"The 2012 Optima is a world-class vehicle encompassing a dynamic modern design, a driver-oriented award-winning interior, technology and top safety elements that have all contributed to make it a "Car of the Year" winner," said William Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Canada Inc. "Having some of the top automotive journalists in Canada from Motoring TV validate the Optima and Rio further supports our flourishing brand value."

A big reason for the win was the Optima's new five-star safety rating under the recently revamped crash safety testing system conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA). Only 12 other car models have earned the NHSTA five-star rating. The new system includes tougher crash tests, and, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle. Standard safety features on the Optima include:

• Six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain)
• Anti-whiplash front active headrests
• Side-impact door beams
• Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners
• Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM),
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Hill Assist Control (HAC)

Available in several trim variations - LX, EX, SX and Hybrid - the Optima is sure to offer a vehicle that suits your needs. Each variation maintains impressive mileage; the 2012 Kia Optima delivers EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, among the highest in the class and on par with some smaller cars. For maximum economy, the Optima Hybrid delivers 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Optima combines the amazing fuel economy with an elegant design, everyday comfort, and an exciting array of technological features like Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary input jacks, and Sirius XM satellite radio capabilities.

So You Think You Know Jack?

Is your child or pet a big fan of Gary Rome Auto Group? Catch them on video reacting to a Gary Rome Auto Group commercial and one lucky winner could be the new star of the next Gary Rome Auto Group commercial!

OFFICIAL RULES:

Go to http://www.gotogary.com/video/ to submit your entry.

1. Contest Dates:

The “So You Think You Know Jack?” contest begins February 1, 2012, and ends March 31, 2012.

VIDEO SUBMISSION PERIOD: February 1, 2012 - March 31, 2012

SELECTION OF BEST VIDEOS: April 1, 2012 - April 13, 2012

NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: April 16, 2012 - April 20, 2012

2. Eligibility:

Submitting a video in this contest is open to persons who on the date of entry are legal residents of one (1) of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, at least eighteen (18) years of age (or age of majority if greater than 18), and who are registered users of http://www.youtube.com or http://vimeo.com. Employees, officers, directors and their immediate family members of the contest entities and each of their respective parents, affiliated and subsidiary companies, advertising and promotion agencies, legal and financial advisers, and any and all other companies associated with this contest are not eligible to enter. For purposes of this contest, "immediate family members" means parents, spouses, children, siblings, in-laws, grandmothers, or grandfathers.

3. Video Submission Requirements:

• Running Time: Five (5) minute maximum, including any credits. If entry is longer than five (5) minutes, the entry may be disqualified in the Administrator’s sole discretion.
• Language: English
• Video: The video should feature your pet or your child's reaction to watching a Gary Rome Auto Group commercial.
• Age: Any child recorded in the video must be ten (10) years of age or younger.

4. Judging to Determine the Potential Winners:

All eligible video submissions received during the video submission period will be watched and judged. The judges will score each eligible entrant’s video based on the following judging criteria, each given equal weight:

• Does the video feature either a pet and/or a child (under the age of ten (10))?
• How original/creative/entertaining, to all age groups, is the video submission?
• How favorable is the Video Submission to Gary Rome Auto Group?
• For helpful examples, check out the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmqeosjjTaY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u23WgtoOJUY

Based on the above judging criteria, the winning videos will be chosen.

5. Additional Terms:

All entrants of the “So You Think You Know Jack?” contest must agree to the following terms and conditions. DO NOT enter this contest if you do not agree with these terms and conditions. Your video submissions may be used for a Gary Rome Auto Group commercial but may not be copied, sold or distributed to other persons.

We reserve the rights to change the rules and prizes without any written notice.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties and Liabilities:

The undersigned (the participant or the legal guardian, if the former is less than 18 years of age) for and in consideration of the granting of permission to Gary Rome Auto Group, agrees to refrain from suing and discharges Gary Rome Auto Group and its officers, agents and employees from all liability arising out of the participation of the contestant in the “So You Think You Know Jack?” contest. The undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Gary Rome Auto Group for any loss or damage that the contestant may incur due to the acts or the omissions of the contestant while participating in the aforementioned event. The undersigned having read and understood agrees to comply with the rules and the safety provisions established for the contest.

7. Consent of Release:

By submitting your video you give Gary Rome Auto Group the rights to use your video in any/or all promotional spots. As a guardian, you will be required to fill out a consent form for any contestant under the age of eighteen (18). Proof of guardianship will be required.

8. Who Won:

The winning entrants will be notified on or by April 20, 2012.

Grand prize: The lucky winner will be featured in an upcoming Gary Rome Auto Group commercial & receive a choice of a $250 American Express gift card or a $250 Dave's Soda & Pet City gift card. Transportation to the filming studio, in West Springfield, MA, is the responsibility of the winner. Every valid submission will receive a stuffed Jack doll.