2012 Kia Optima and Kia Soul Ranked Highest In Class In J.D. Power And Associates APEAL Study

July 25, 2012, 10:15 a.m. EDT

--Two of the Fastest Growing Automotive Brand's Top-Selling Vehicles are Most Appealing Among New Car Owners - Kia's best-selling Optima midsize sedan impresses with its blend of performance, styling, refinement and fuel economy - With consumers shifting to smaller vehicles, the Soul is recognized for offering the same level of appeal and amenities as many larger models

IRVINE, Calif., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) is the fastest-growing car company in the U.S. and two of its best-selling vehicles - the Optima and Soul - were awarded the highest ranking scores in their respective segments within the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.SM The Optima ranked highest in a tie in the "Midsize Car" category, while the Soul claimed the highest ranking in the "Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)" grouping. The APEAL study measures new-vehicle buyers' gratification with the design, content, layout and performance of their newly-purchased vehicles.

"As key entries in Kia's design-led transformation, the Optima and Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms, and the results of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study illustrates just how delighted these new buyers are with the purchase of their new Kia vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. "Both of these popular models, along with the rest of the Kia vehicle line, continue to deliver on a promise to offer U.S. consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive combination of design, performance, comfort, safety and technology. All of this while still maintaining the brand's unmatched value proposition."

This year's study emphasizes the point that although buyers are continuing to downsize, they are looking for vehicles that are as appealing and well-contented as the larger ones they previously owned. Both the Optima and the Soul allow consumers to shop for a smaller, more affordable vehicle without having to make sacrifices in quality and amenities.

The 2012 APEAL Study is based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. Responses were gathered between February and May 2012 from more than 74,000 new car and light truck owners who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is 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[1] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[2]. 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 two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden 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, 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 and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. [3] 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 J.D. Power and Associates Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

*The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[1] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.

[2] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.

[3] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending June 2007 and June 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Family Fun Photo Contest - Enter to Win!

Gary Rome Kia is currently running a great Family Fun Photo Contest that you can’t resist.

You now have a great opportunity to WIN BIG and have fun too.

All you have to do is upload a photo (with a short description) of you and your family with your Kia, or other vehicle, on vacation and you will be automatically entered to WIN. The photo with the most likes on Gary Rome Kia Facebook site wins. Prizes include:

1.      Six Flags Family Fun Pack

2.      Stafford Motor Speedway Tickets

3.      Red Sox Tickets

4.      Plus $140 GAS CARD with each prize

Free fun and free gas.  Who has to buy an app? You know Gary Rome Kia will take care of you so you can spend money on life’s demands without trading in your fun. There will be a new winner every Friday in August.

Click HERE to enter.

Gary Rome Auto Group and Holyoke Public Library Announce Partnership On "Next 100 Years Campaign"

A cooperative “Drive Into The Future” raffle to benefit the Library Construction Project.

Holyoke, MA -- On Friday June 22 at 10:00 a.m., the Holyoke Public Library (HPL) and Gary Rome Auto Group will officially announce that they have teamed up together to raffle a 2013 Hyundai to benefit HPL’s Next 100 Years Campaign to renovate and expand the library facility. This launch event will be held at the Library construction site at 335 Maple Street featuring Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, Gary Rome and HPL officials. Members of the press and general public are welcome.

The “Drive into the Future” Raffle will provide the winner with a 3-year lease to a new 2013 Hyundai Elantra as a first prize. Raffle tickets may be purchased for $10 each, or 3 for $25, and the drawing will be held in December, 2012.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to Gary and the team at Gary Rome Auto Group for their generosity and support in this wonderful partnership,” said Library President Terry Plum. “Having such a terrific local business come forward at this time is extremely helpful, and we look forward not only to raising funds for the campaign, but also to spreading word throughout the area about how incredible the new library will be.”

The Library, which is now under construction, will be a blending of old and new, serving as a state-of-the-art information technology and community center facility while retaining the current building’s historic grandeur. The project will increase usable square footage in the library by 264% and provide ample space for children’s programs, technology and literacy training services.  

“The Holyoke Public Library is critical to the future of Holyoke, and we want to play a strong role in bringing this important campaign across the finish line,” said Gary Rome, President of Gary Rome Auto Group. “This is about giving back to our community, and making the future brighter for all of our children and families.”

Of note, the Rome family has been doing business in Holyoke for over 90 years and has actively supported numerous local charities that help children and families in the community.

Interested individuals may contact the Holyoke Public Library campaign office at hplcampaign@gmail.com for further information about purchasing tickets or other aspects of the Next 100 Years Campaign.

Contact At Holyoke Public Library

Terry Plum, President

Holyoke Public Library

335 Maple Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

413-322-5636 tel

413-532-4230 fax

hplcampaign@gmail.com

Gary Rome Kia Announces Dealership Grand Opening

Gary Rome Kia opens newly renovated facilities in Enfield, CT.

The New Facade of Gary Rome Kia in Enfield, CT

Enfield, CT -- For those who have been watching the construction along Enfield St. for the past several months, the long-anticipated transformation is now complete.  Gary Rome Kia is proud to announce the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art facilities.

Customers walking into the sparkling new showroom will now be welcomed by an entrance greeter.  The service area has been expanded, the Customer Lounge and Parts Boutique section enlarged.  Each department of the dealership has been refurbished and improved to create a natural flow for the best customer experience.

"We are so pleased with the updated design, " says Gary Rome, owner and CEO of Gary Rome Kia.  "It's more accessible, more modern, more attractive.  But though our facade has changed, the staff and customer service is still just as helpful, friendly and dedicated as always."

To celebrate the grand opening, Gary Rome Kia is running a number of promotions and special deals.  From now through Saturday, June 30th Gary Rome Kia is offering:

• $14.95 oil change, which includes a wash and vacuum,
• $149 a month lease on a Forte or $14,999.00,
• $189 a month lease on a Optima or $18,999.00
• Like Gary Rome Kia on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/GaryRomeKia) and enter to win $140.00 gas card.

Come on down to Gary Rome Kia today to take advantage of these incredible deals.  With the expanded inventory there is bound to be something for everyone.  The Kia Optima and Sorento were recently named "Best Family Cars of 2012" by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com in the midsize sedan and crossover utility brackets, respectively.  The Kia Sportage SUV was the only car in the JD Power-What Car? owner satisfaction survey to score five stars across all categories.

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Gary Rome Kia of Enfield serves Bristol, East Hartford and West Springfield, MA with new and used Kia cars. The staff at Gary Rome Kia of Enfield is ready to help you purchase a new Kia or used car in Enfield. When you visit our car dealership, expect the superior customer service that you deserve. With years of experience and training, the Gary Rome Kia of Enfield team is your Connecticut Kia dealer, and will get you into the Kia that was built for you. Get the new or used car by Kia in Enfield that you have been dreaming of by calling or visiting Gary Rome Kia of Enfield today.  Check out our website at http://www.GaryRomeKia.com.

2012 Kia Rio SX Sedan Review

Rio exemplifies bang for the buck

Article by Justin Pritchard,

View author's other articles

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Among many other things, the 2012 Kia Rio is a bit of rolling proof that owning a small car doesn't have to be a great big buzz-kill. Small cars are big business in Canada, and shoppers are more educated and passionate than ever. Owning a fuel-efficient compact no longer means settling for a four-wheeled appliance that surrounds occupants with nasty grey plastic. Drivers want small cars they can show off - even if they're practical and don't have enough horsepower to vaporize a set of tires.

Kia's designers and product planners are aware of this.

First impressions? There are more aggressive and meaner looking rides in the price range, but the tested 2012 Kia Rio Sedan checked all the right boxes as a slightly sporty and upscale looking little machine. It's got big wheels, LED headlight accents, dual exhaust outlets and fog lamps, all adding a bit of flair.

On board

It's inside where potential shoppers are likely to fall in love. Breaking from the norm with cheap vehicles, the tester featured such things as contrasting colours, different textures and soft-touch surfaces.

There's also contrasting stitching on the heated leather seats, sport pedals, and a modern, depthy and three-dimensional look. Rio is cheap but well-dressed with a cabin that hits above its weight and could teach many an affordable car a lesson.

Drivers also get adult-friendly rear seats that fold as needed, proper cupholders, and an above-average level of at-hand storage for their wallet, change, cell phone and Tic Tacs. Also fitted were plugs to connect and recharge multimedia goodies or phones, and steering-wheel-mounted controls to work them.

There's room enough for four adults on a road trip, and a deep, large trunk rounds out the package.

It's inside where potential shoppers are likely to fall in love.

Loaded for less than $22,000

The loaded tester also got a full driver computer with fuel economy readouts, automatic lights, automatic climate control and keyless, push-button start.

A backup camera helps prevent running stuff over, satellite navigation keeps things on course, and Bluetooth streaming audio and a heated steering wheel dial up convenience and comfort.

The last car I drove with the latter few features together was an Audi that cost as much as my house. But opt for the fully loaded Rio SX at about $21,700 including the navigation package, and these advanced features are all tossed in.

A backup camera helps prevent running stuff over. 

GDI Power

And the good stuff isn't all in the cabin, either. Rio's 1.6L four-cylinder engine uses Gasoline Direct Injection technology for maximum energy extraction from every molecule of fuel it burns. Automakers around the world have been using this technology for a while, but Kia's one of the first to make it available on the cheap.

There's even a driver selectable 'Active Eco' system that numbs the throttle and lowers the transmission shift points to help save fuel at the expense of a little responsiveness.
Jam on it, and performance is modest but adequate. The Rio's new powerplant reserves plenty of pull for higher revs where the engine can sound harsh and strained, but overall performance is decent.

My 3,500-km test included lots of zippy highway driving and pegged observed mileage at 7.4L/100km. That's respectable in the hands of my lead foot.

Rio's 1.6L four-cylinder engine uses Gasoline Direct Injection technology for maximum energy extraction from every molecule of fuel it burns.
The drive

This won't shock anyone, but Rio isn't a machine engineered to set the driving enthusiast's soul on fire. It drives as well as it needs to, but dynamics aren't the priority. The 6-speed automatic is gentle and shifts cleanly, the brakes bite well, and steering is light and slightly sporty, albeit a little vague thanks to the electric assist.

Wind and road noise were kept down fairly well, adding to an upscale driving experience. The suspension is softly sporty, not too mushy and not too harsh. The tester's big wheels didn't do the ride quality any favours on rougher surfaces, though.

A value leader

Functionality, value and upscale styling are likely the biggest draws here. The Rio boasts one of the best cabins in its price range, blended with one of the most comprehensive features lists in its price range. And it's got more fuel-saving technology under the hood than virtually anything on this side of 30 grand.

Functionality, value and upscale styling are likely the biggest draws here.
I'm cheap. I wear clothes two days in a row, shop at Wal-Mart and use a ruler to squeeze every drop of toothpaste out of the tube. My favorite restaurant has a $1.99 menu.

So, that makes me value-conscious, I think. And that's probably why I related so well to the little Rio.

I guessed the price of my assigned tester a few thousand more than it actually was. And I'm usually pretty good at guessing a car's price. All said, when it comes to getting a lot for not that much, Rio makes a lot of sense.

Kia Named To "Top 10 Best Car Brands for 2012" List By Total Car Score

press release


June 12, 2012, 7:00 a.m. EDT
--Fastest-Growing Automotive Brand[1] Posts Largest Year-Over-Year Improvement on List - Kia Motors posts biggest improvement over 2011 with a 3.76-point gain in average score - Kia is one of only two non-luxury brands to receive honor
IRVINE, Calif., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Total Car Score ( www.totalcarscore.com ), one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named Kia Motors America (KMA) as one of its "Top 10 Best Car Brands for 2012." One of only two non-luxury brands listed, the fastest-growing automotive brand in the U.S. also posted the biggest improvement over 2011 with a gain of 3.76 points. The list, based on the average Total Car Score for every model within the manufacturer's product line up, comes on the heels of the 2012 Soul urban passenger vehicle and 2012 Sorento midsize CUV being honored with "Top Scoring Car Awards" and the 2012 Forte compact sedan landing on the "Top Cars for College Grads" list from the website.

"With record sales that have contributed to Kia becoming the fastest growing car company in the U.S. over the last five years and a full line of critically acclaimed vehicles, consumer awareness of the Kia brand has dramatically increased, and this recent accolade from Total Car Score is further evidence of the breadth of our transformation," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Kia continues to be committed to offering consumers a comprehensive array of vehicles with a hard-to-beat formula of cutting-edge technologies, high fuel efficiency, immense value and world-class design."

The "Top 10 Best Car Brands for 2012" list by Total Car Score is based on numerical ratings for 2012 model year vehicles currently on the market. The list provides a data-driven assessment of which automakers are producing the most desirable, highest quality cars, crossovers, SUVs and pickup trucks.

"As one of only two non-premium brands on the list, Kia has validated its ongoing efforts to produce some of the best cars on the market," said Karl Brauer, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is 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[2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[3]. 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 two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden 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, 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 and LPGA. 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 Total Car Score

Total Car Score is an automotive research and comparison website that establishes a new industry-wide standard for ranking every car, truck, van and crossover on the market. TotalCarScore.com evaluates and ranks cars according to an aggregate score based on the most trusted automotive authorities available. The site also features original content, reviews and insights from a veteran automotive journalism and data team. For more information, please go to www.totalcarscore.com .


[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending April 2007 and April 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[2] Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.

[3] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.

Gary Rome Kia Announces High School Winner Of New Kia Soul

Matthew McKinney was the lucky winner of a brand new Kia Soul from Gary Rome Kia.

Winner Matthew McKinney and Gary Rome

Enfield, CT -- There were fourteen keys, only one a perfect fit.  On Friday, June 1st, the Gary Rome Kia held the raffle to determine the winner of an all new Kia Soul from the fourteen eligible students from Enrico Fermi High School in Enfield, CT.  The students all came to the Enfield Holiday Inn, dressed for success and ready to drive home the prize.

Each chose a key from a basket hoping that theirs was the only one that powered on the car.  The lucky student who selected the working key was Matthew McKinney.  As he told WGGB News, he couldn't be happier.  “It’s awesome, it’s an experience I’ll probably never forget for the rest of my life.”   

Gary Rome, CEO of Gary Rome Kia, agrees and is delighted that he could give this car to such a worthy young person.  "All of these students work hard in and out of school and deserve to be commended for their efforts.  We hope that Matthew enjoys his Kia Soul for years to come."

To qualify for an opportunity to win the raffle students had to show a dedication not only to their studies, but to outside interests and to their communities, as well.  Each potential winner has a grade point average of at least 8.0 out of 12, and has shown exemplary behavior and attendance at school.  Outside the classroom, each student is involved in at least two extracurricular activities and devotes at least fifty hours to community service.   

Matthew has been of assistance to his teachers by providing various services to them on a daily basis.  Whether it be running copies, sorting files, setting up labs or making solutions Matthew can be seen in every department here at Fermi High School willing to lend a hand and make every ones job a little easier.  Matthew also organized his Eagle Scout Project, allowing him to obtain the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting Program, as well as benefiting the community.  Matthew’s project was to paint and fix up the exterior of a church in East Windsor.

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Gary Rome Kia of Enfield serves Bristol, East Hartford and West Springfield, MA with new and used Kia cars. The staff at Gary Rome Kia of Enfield is ready to help you purchase a new Kia or used car in Enfield. When you visit our car dealership, expect the superior customer service that you deserve. With years of experience and training, the Gary Rome Kia of Enfield team is your Connecticut Kia dealer, and will get you into the Kia that was built for you. Get the new or used car by Kia in Enfield that you have been dreaming of by calling or visiting Gary Rome Kia of Enfield today.  Check out our website at http://www.garyromekia.com.