Kia Cadenza eyes to take 40 percent of full-sized sedan market in Korea.

When Kia officially unveiled the all-new K7 (Cadenza) in Korea this Tuesday the company revealed it eyes to take 40 percent of the local full-size sedan market. According to the company, around 100.000 units of full-sized sedans are sold on average each year in the country, which means Kia targets to sell 40.000 Cadenzas per year.

For the 2010, Kia has set its domestic sales target at 35.000 units, while in the following year, the company hopes to raise domestic sales to 40.000 units. Kia also plans to increase its exports to overseas countries from 5.000 in 2010 to 25.000 units in 2011.

In Korea, the all-new Cadenza will compete head to head against similarly sized sedans, all built by domestic car companies (Hyundai Grandeur/Azera, Samsung SM7 and Daewoo Veritas), as well as against a number of European and Japanese rivals.

As seen in the official press release Kia Cadenza comes equipped with a host of safety and convenience features including lane departure warning and tire pressure monitoring systems, a reversing safety camera with interior mirror display screen, front and rear park assist system, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, powered extendable seat cushions, panoramic sunroof and many other features.

The Korean-market Cadenza is available with a broad range of engine options. Available as an entry-level engine, the 2.4L Theta II engine which produces 180 horsepower and achieves 11.8 kilometers per liter of fuel.

The 2.7L V6 engine generates 200 horsepower and manages 11 kilometers per liter of fuel, while the top of the range 3.5L V6 tops out at 290 horsepower and the fuel economy clocks in at 10.6 kilometers per liter. In addition, Korean-specs Kia Cadenza will also be available with a 2.7-liter liquefied petroleum gas engine that churns out 165 horsepower.

Pricing for the entry-level Cadenza, equipped with four-cylinder engine, ranges from 28.4 million won to 30.7 million won ($24.200 to $26.100 ), while the trim fitted with 2.7L V6 engine is priced between 30.6 million won to 38 million won ($26.100 to $32.300). The 3.5L V6 powered Cadenza starts at 38.7 million won ($32.900) and goes up to 41.3 million won ($35.100) for the top of range Kia Cadenza/K7.

Kia Cadenza gallery (image source: rpm9.com):

Kia Cadenza luxury sedan to feature a range-topping 290-hp V6 mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission and a variety of high-tech features including “Welcome” system, as well as cabin mood lighting and RPAS reversing sensors.

The long-anticipated Kia Cadenza has been officially unveiled to the South Korean consumers today. The 4965 mm long Cadenza sedan will take over the role of large luxury sedan for the Kia marque from the 10-year old Opirus and is destined to totally transform Kia’s sales performance in the D2 segment.

The Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria.  It perfectly symbolizes the dynamic sedan’s striking design philosophy and upscale image.

Under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the large sedan design team in Korea was determined to transform every aspect of the brand’s range-topping model, to deliver sporty and sleek styling, agile and dynamic performance, exceptional comfort and refinement and competitive high-tech features.

“With the Cadenza, we have created an all-new, large sedan that will revitalize Kia’s fortunes thanks to its exciting appearance, strong performance and luxurious cabin which will guarantee a much broader consumer appeal, attracting thousands of new customers to our brand,” commented Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.

According to Kia, the all-new Kia Cadenza will make its very-first overseas appearance at the Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia on 12th of December, while the model is also set to be displayed at the forth-coming Dubai Motor Show, which opens its doors on December 15th.

Continue your read after the jump to find more information on the all-new Kia Cadenza…

Kia Cadenza gallery: 

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The winner of November Soul of the month competition is a proud owner of black Kia Soul with really attractive black-yellow alloy-wheels and striking yellow decals. We asked the owner a few questions about his ride and here are some thoughts from him. Enjoy your read!

1. How long have you owned your Soul and what are your experiences so far?
We’ve had the car since August and we couldn’t be more pleased. We get stopped by people asking what it is all of the time. It is also truly a pleasure to drive. Sitting at a stop light or in a parking lot, virtually anyone that sees it has to do a double take. It’s quite interesting.

2. If you had to pick one thing what was it that really sold you on the Kia Soul?
I think just the unique style of the Soul. It doesn’t look like anything else and it stands out in a crowd. Sharon didn’t want to drive something plain.

3. Did you name your Soul?
Yes.

4. How and when did you find out about the Kia Soul?
TV commercial.

5. Can you tell us some interesting comments that you have heard about your ride from friends, family and other people?
People are always staring at it. Women look at the car, men look at the wheels. People ask what it is, where we got it, if it came this way etc. It’s quite entertaining.

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Officially official: Production of the all-new Kia Sorento begins today…

The first U.S.-built Kia vehicle, a white all-new Sorento, rolled off the production line today at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), officially opening the first U.S. Kia Motors plant.  KMMG is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles at full capacity and employ 2,500 people, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 additional jobs in the region.

“The start of production for our first manufacturing facility in the United States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America and we are proud to be adding 2,500 jobs to the local economy,” said B.M. Ahn, President and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG.

Representing an investment of US$1 billion by Kia Motors, KMMG will establish new benchmarks for vehicle quality and productivity by utilizing some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing techniques.  KMMG’s general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile (0.8 km) of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favorable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue.  Also in general assembly, KMMG is the only plant in North America outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.

Built on 2,200 acres (8.9 km2), the complex includes a body stamping facility, a transmission shop where the All-new Sorento’s six-speed automatic transmission is produced, and a two mile (3.2 km) test track in addition to the main assembly plant.  The plant’s 186-foot-long (57 m) stamping press delivers 5,400 tons of pressure to stamp steel into 17 different types of vehicle panels for the 2010 Sorento, operating at a speed of seven to 15 strokes per minute.  The massive stamping equipment spans from almost 20 feet (6 m) below the floor to 39.4 feet (12 m) high.

KMMG continues Kia Motors’ aggressive investment in the U.S. market.  Since 2002, more than US$1.3 billion has been invested in various facilities throughout the country, including a dedicated corporate campus and design center in Irvine, Calif., a state-of-the-art research and development center in Ann Arbor, Mich. and custom-built vehicle proving grounds in Mojave, Calif.

Since coming to market in the United States, Kia Motors, through its US-based marketing and distribution arm, KMA, has expanded to a full product line of vehicles and enjoyed 14 years of consecutive market share increases, including a 50 percent increase through October 2009.  Most recently, KMA posted its best sales quarter in company history and is one of only three automakers whose sales are up over their 2008 U.S. sales pace. [Source: Kia]

Visit your local Kia dealer to see the 2010 Kia Soul Special Edition Package 2.

When Kia first unveiled the Soul crossover to the US consumers earlier this year, the company also hinted it will release more “special edition” models over the vehicle’s lifespan.

Kia unveiled the very first of several limited editions of the compact hatchback only a couple of months after the Soul was first launched in February. Dubbed Soul Denim, the vehicle featured a very unique Denim exterior color, white painted alloy-wheels and white mirror caps, plus white racing stripe.

Following the Soul Denim SE #1 is a 2010 Kia Soul Special Edition Package 2, which features an exclusive painting scheme, accented with plenty of exterior and interior add-ons. The Soul SE #2 is built upon the standard “Soul +” model and includes all of the standard features of “+” model.

Setting the Kia Soul Special Edition Package 2 apart from other Souls is a special Ignition Orange body color, which has previously been un-available with any of the Souls sold in the US market. The body of the Soul SE #2 is covered with a striking off-centre, black coloured, racing stripe that runs the length of the car.

Also exclusive to the Soul Special Edition Package2 is a set of nicely stylized 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as aluminium fuel door and fender vents with mounted side marker repeaters. The Soul Special Edition #2 also features a sport-tuned suspension and is equipped with accessories such as rear sport spoiler, sport body kit and fog-lights.

Inside, the Soul SE #2 features black-painted dashboard, black seats, with white Soul logo inserts as well as upgraded audio system, iPod connector cable, steering-wheel controls, carpeted floor-mats and moonroof.

Although Kia has not yet officially announced, Kia Soul Special Edition Package 2 sales have already commenced. Pricing for the Soul SE #2 starts at $18,550.

The number two Soul Special Edition has been officially named the 2010 Kia Soul Ignition.

Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants), recreational vehicles (RVs), and commercial vehicles for October 2009, recording a total of 148,583 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 34.6%.

By region, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (24,896 units sold, a 119.3% year-on-year increase), North America (26,093 units sold, a 41.7% year-on-year increase), general markets (29,621 units sold, a 31.7% year-on-year increase), Europe (31,956 units, a 30.1% year-on-year increase) and Korea (39,017 units, a 7.2% year-on-year increase).

Cumulatively, through the first ten months of 2009, Kia’s global sales increased by 13.9% year-on-year and reached 1,336,378 units. The Chinese market experienced the highest gain with 191,765 units sold to date, representing a 54.8% increase. Korea, general markets, and North America showed cumulative year-on-year sales increases of 24.6% (327,542 units sold), 12.6% (243,530 units sold) and 8.8% (301,069 units sold), respectively.

To date in 2009, Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets has been the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ or ‘Forte’ in some markets) with 237,402 units sold. Kia’s B-segment Rio and Sportage compact SUV compete closely for second with 141,929 and 141,564 units sold, respectively. The C-segment cee’d comes in fourth with 102,963 units sold, and the Picanto rounds up the top five with 84,761 units sold.

In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia’s passenger and recreational vehicles achieved year-on-year increases in October of 53.2% (73,037 units) and 40.9% (36,621 units), respectively.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “We are thrilled to see that October proved to be another successful month for Kia. We will continue to build on this momentum by providing customers with vehicles for the young-at-heart, which are both stylish and fuel efficient.” [Source: Kia]

Kia sets ambitious goal to increase its sales in the US market by 17 percent in 2010!

According to Thomas Oh ( Executive Vice President), Kia Motors America is targeting 350.000 sales of new cars in the U.S. on a preliminary basis, compared with a projection of about 300.000 for 2009. Kia’s mmbitious sales target for 2010 is based on a prediction that the US car market is likely going to grow by about 8 percent next year, while global demand for new cars is expected to gain about 6 percent.

“Kia far outpaced the auto industry in terms of sales this year ans we we managed to turn the economic recession into an opportunity to sell more cars. We are very much prepared to grow and expand not only in the local market, but also overseas”, said Thomas Oh.

To lift its sales, Kia plans to roll out new models and increase the number of dealerships on the US soil. Reportedly, the Korean second largest carmaker will increase the number of dealerships by as much as 15 percent from last year for a total of 715 in 2010. The company expects to win many former sellers of U.S. automakers.

With the hot-selling Soul crossover, just recently launched Forte sedan and Forte Koup, and forth-coming Sorento crossover, Kia has built one of the most attractive vehicle line-ups in the automotive industry. But the automaker will not be resting and there are plans to expand the range with new, attractive models.

During the next 12 months, Kia will introduce at least three new models in the US market. Kia already announced it plans to debut a premium four-door vehicle, which will replace the outgoing Amanti sedan. Called Cadenza (K7 in Korea), the all-new premium sedan is expected to go on sale in the US early next year with a choice of a four-cylinder 2.4L Theta II engine or 3.5L V6 Lambda engine.

Later in the year, Cadenza will be joined by completely redesigned Sportage crossover and Optima sedan, while latest rumours indicate a 5-door version of the Forte compact car is also likely to make its debut in 2010.

The motto of the all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup – “One Hot Ride” – took on a new meaning today as Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled its U.S. motorsports program at the 2009 SEMA Show.  KMA has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and campaign two Forte Koups in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class.

“The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports arena was an easy one to make,” said Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing, KMA.  “The Forte Koup’s performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics make it a natural fit for road racing, and competing in GRAND-AM’s KONI Challenge Series enables us to reach an entirely new and passionate base of automotive enthusiasts.”

The GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class utilizes production-based race cars and has a wide variety of vehicles from the U.S., Europe and Asia, using weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all entrants.

“We researched every form of auto racing in the U.S. to find a fan base that was aligned with our target demographics, and found GRAND-AM to be the perfect fit,” said Sprague.  “In addition to working with the Kinetic Group, we are also proud that Infinity Audio, whose high-end audio systems are offered in several Kia vehicles, will join us as the Official Sponsor of the #10 Infinity Kia Forte Koup Race Car during our inaugural motorsports season.”

As part of its motorsports team development, KMA identified and partnered with the Kinetic Group to develop, build and campaign two Forte Koup KONI Challenge spec cars.  Based outside of Atlanta, Kinetic provides a comprehensive array of in-house services, including fabrication, composites, paint and body, engine and electronics departments.  Kinetic’s staff of engineers, mechanics and crew have extensive race experience in many series, including NASCAR, Indy Racing League, the American Le Mans Series and the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Series.

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Kia sales in the US market soar 45 percent compared to the same month last year…

October 2009 car sales statistics revealed that Korean car brands, including Kia and Hyundai, increased their new sales by nearly 50 percent compared to the same month last year. Hyundai announced its sales jumped 49 percent, while Kia reported it has experienced a 47 percent increase in October 2009.

Sales of both Korean carmakers have been boosted by rising demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, newly launched models and aggressive marketing campaigns. Combined sales of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group in the US market last month rose to 53.495 units and represents a 47 percent increase over the last year’s sales figures.

According to Kia Motors America, the company sold 22.490 units, while year-to-date sales totaled 261.060 units. As evident from the sales chart published below, Kia’s October sales got a boost from new launches, but older models, such as Optima sedan and sub-compact Rio, also performed very well last month.

The best selling Kia vehicle in the US in October was, once again, Forte compact sedan, which has just recently been accompanied with a sportier two-door Forte Koup model. Combined, Kia sold 4.984 Forte & Forte Koups last month.

Forte was followed by B-segment Rio and Borrego SUV with 4.005 and 3.919 units sold, respectively. October has been Borrego’s best sales month this year and probably its best month ever since its introduction two years ago! To date, Kia sold 8.685 units of Borrego in the US market.

Initial high demand for the Soul has cooled down a bit. Sales have fallen from record-high 5.751 units in August to an average of 2.000+ units in the last two months. October also marks the very first month when Nissan Cube outsold the Soul. Nissan dealers sold 2.097 Cubes, while Kia sold 2.063 units of its funky crossover.

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Kia introduces Soul Tempest limited edition in the UK…

Kia launched the funky new Soul earlier this year to include a range of ‘Originals’ – limited edition versions of the car – and with the change in season comes a change to the Originals collection. These ‘character’ models are designed to showcase equipment features and styles available on Soul which customers can match to their lifestyles and personalities.

The beginning of the month saw the launch of the all-new ‘Tempest’ Original, which replaces the outgoing ‘Samba’ model. The Tempest features standard metallic paintwork in Titanium Silver with black high-gloss bumper inserts and door mirrors, and is fitted with unique black 18-inch alloy wheels. Completing the look inside is the modern ‘Soul-Shine’ black seat trim with metallic centre fascia and chrome accents on the dashboard and instrument clusters.

Other key features include Kia’s Advanced Reversing Camera system with Electrochromic Rearview Mirror, as available on its sister model Shaker, and an upgraded audio system which features a dash-top centre speaker, rear sub-woofer and external amplifier.

Tempest is available in 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines with a four-speed automatic transmission available on the latter – the first time automatic has been offered on any Original model. And with the price of Tempest starting from just £12,845, it’s certainly a tempting offer.

There are other minor model year changes to the rest of the Soul range being introduced as running changes. The entry grade ’1′ trim now gains driver’s seat height adjust as standard.

Metallic centre fascia highlights and chrome accents have been improved and made brighter and are now offered as standard on the Soul 2 grade as well as all Originals. Also, the lidded storage tray in the upper dash has been redesigned for improved functionality and usage.

Colour availability has been revised on the Soul ’2′ mid-grade. With the deletion of Samba from the line-up, the vivid Tornado Red paintwork is now made available on all ’2′ models, while the vibrant metallic Cocktail Orange is no longer offered. This quickly changing line-up ensures that all Soul customers feel special knowing theirs is one of a limited number.

We are bringing you a few close-up shots of the all-new Kia Venga mini-MPV…

Our friends at ceedclub.hu informed us about the images that they posted at their website a few days ago. They have taken some great close-up shots of the upcoming Kia Venga, which is expected to go on sale shortly.

Here are some shots, to see more, head over to ceedclub.hu website, by clicking this link.

Kia Venga gallery: