In mid-June, Kia Motors began volume production of its new all electric Kia Soul EV for export sales. A landmark in Kia’s history, the zero-emission Soul EV is Kia’s first electric vehicle to be marketed by the company outside Korea.
The first vehicles off the production line are destined for select European countries and are scheduled to go on sale across the continent during the second half of the year. The Soul EV is manufactured at Kia’s Gwangju facility in Korea, where annual output of the electric car is initially planned to reach 5000 units.
“Now that production of export models has begun, the new Soul EV is truly at the forefront of Kia’s ‘Clean Mobility’ program, providing environmentally friendly transport to our customers around the world,” comments Thomas Oh, Executive Vice President and COO, Kia Motors Corporation.
“Although it is Kia’s first globally-sold all-electric vehicle, the Soul EV is our second-generation battery electric vehicle and benefits significantly from our in-depth experience gained from development of the Ray EV and proven daily operations of the Ray EV fleet in Korea for the past three years.”
Embodying the iconic design language of the second-generation Kia Soul, the Soul EV is a uniquely designed battery electric vehicle perfectly suited for city commuters thanks to its class-leading drive range, a spacious cabin and generous cargo area.
This is an exact article from Kia Motor’s issue 142 of vision 21 newsletter
Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Group, has received the prestigious Lifetime Design Achievement Award from EyesOn Design.
Schreyer was recognized at the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s Vision Honoured award ceremony in June for his work overseeing the global design strategy of Kia Motors. This latest award places him on a list of international vehicle designers which includes design legends such as Sergio Pininfarina, Shiro Nakamura, Walter de’Silva and Giorgetto Giugiaro. The EyesOn Design award is significant in that previous winners of the award make up the judging panel.
Since joining Kia in 2006, Schreyer has revolutionized the brand’s styling and among other design characteristics of Kia’s latest models, is responsible for the signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille which identifies all current models. Schreyer leads design strategy for both Kia and Hyundai, and oversees Kia’s three design studios in Korea, Germany and the USA.
In presenting the award, Dr Philip Hessburg, Medical Director at the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, said ”We, and the whole design community, are excited and proud that Peter is receiving the Lifetime Design Achievement award. In getting this award, he joins the absolute luminaries of car design.
Peter Schreyer commented “throughout my professional life, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of incredibly passionate and talented designers. With the appointment at Kia, I’ve had the chance to shape the brand into something altogether more stylish, distinctive, and young-at-heart, and our models reflect this attitude.
We have received a number of design awards for the styling of Kia vehicles over the last few years, but our work goes beyond just the appearance of our cars. Kia design goes from strength to strength, and I’m honoured to be a part of this process. It’s a huge honour to receive this Lifetime Design Achievement award, and it’s also testament to the hard work and creativity of Kia’s design teams around the world”
This is an exact article taken from July 2014 issue 142 Vision 21 newsletter
Engine downsizing involves decreasing engine displacement or the number of cylinder to raise fuel economy while maintaining or enhancing performance. Reducing engine displacement by 30% and 50% raises fuel economy by 15% and 25%, respectively, but it also results in lower engine power. Making up for this loss is the turbo charger, which powers the turbine with engine exhaust to suck in, compress and inject air into the engine. Engine downsizing is realized when the turbocharger meets direct injection (DI) technology, which enhances engines air absorption efficiency. Kia Motors has a full line up gasoline direct injection (GDI) models in all vehicle classes and Cerato Koup, Optima and Sportage feature T-GDI (turbo+GDI) technology (Optima and Sportage feature a turbo charger in American models). A car powered by the force of combustion generated when fuel and air meet. This is why there has been steadfast R&D on technologies to better control fuel and air boost performance and efficiency.
While GDI controls fuel, continuous variable valve lift (CVVL) deals with other half of the automotive power equation: air. The Nu CVVL engine developed by Kia Motors in 2012 controls air inflow by adjusting the intake valve based on speed or output to raise performance and fuel economy.
The Nu CVVL engine can be found in Optima (European and American models) and we are currently developing a next generation engine that boasts even greater fuel economy and performance.
This is an exact article that has been taken from Kia Motors Move magazine produced in May 2014, copyrights belong to KMCA.
Kia knows a thing or two about being a brand that practices sustainability, especially in the areas of staying green and fulfilling our corporate social duties, in addition to exploring and implementing new technology in our vehicles.
Fittingly, the Kia Motors Sustainability Magazine 2014, ‘MOVE,’ has received the Platinum Award in its category (Sustainability Report), for the Vision Awards for the sixth consecutive year. The Vision Awards, hosted by the California-based League of American Communications Professionals (LACP), are recognized as the one of the most prestigious international annual report competitions in the world. Currently, the LACP evaluates annual reports and company brochures from companies all over the world.
Let’s ‘MOVE’
Published this past March, the 2014 ‘MOVE’ Magazine marks the 12th annual report since first being introduced in 2003 as an informative way of meaningful communication between Kia and our stakeholders, with in-depth articles covering subjects such as corporate social responsibility projects, business performance, environmental issues and various sustainable management practices.
This year, ‘MOVE’ was released under the theme of ‘We Connect (Through Cars, To the Next Generation),’ providing a wide range of information on Kia’s technology and environmental and sustainability efforts. ‘MOVE’ represents Kia’s “move” towards bringing about a positive change to the rest of the world by becoming more than just an automotive brand, but a brand that is conscious and aware of global issues and trends, and knows to respond accordingly.
Click to download our 2014 edition of ‘MOVE’ magazine.
Every year, Kia makes a great effort to effectively communicate the ways in which our brand keeps moving through our sustainability report. We are already halfway through 2014 and are excited to talk about our brand’s continuous sustainability efforts and developments over the next few months.
The above article is a direct quote from the KIA Australia Website
Kia Motors started R&D on fuel cell technology in 1998. Our low-temperature (-20 degrees Celsius) start up technology has been certified, and in 2009, we developed a second-generation FCEV equipped with a 115-kw fuel cell stack (generator that converts energy created by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen into electric power) and a 700-bar hydrogen storage unit. Mohave FCEV features a fuel cell stack built into the underfloor for even weight distribution, enabling more dynamic driving performance and more stable manoeuvrability. It can travel up to 690km on a single charge and has a maximum speed of 160km/h. the vehicle is designed to minimize damage to the hydrogen tank and pipes in rear-end collisions and is equipped with a sensor to detect hydrogen leaks caused by impact, thus fulfilling US collision safety requirements.
The Mohave FCEV’s durability and technological superiority were proven with the successful completion of the 2,655-km US Hydrogen Road Tour 2009. Some 99% of fuel cell technology is now domestically produced, and together with some 120 partner companies, we are developing technologies to reduce size and cost of fuel stack.
This is an exact article that has been taken from Kia Motors Move magazine produced in May 2014, copyrights belong to KMCA.
FCEVs run on the electricity generated by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. An FCEV consists of a tank that stores hydrogen, a fuel cell stack that generates electric power, and a battery that supplies auxiliary energy. With water as the only by-product, FCEVs are completely emission-free. FCEVs are three times more energy-efficient than combustion engine cars, and they outdo EVs in terms of charging speed – as fast as pumping gas – and per-charge driving range (around 600km). For FCEV commercialization, however, the hydrogen-generation process has to become more energy-efficient and a network of hydrogen fuelling stations must be set up. Korean and global automakers are working toward the goal of commercializing FCEVs and putting a network of charging stations in place by 2015.
This is an exact article that has been taken from Kia Motors Move magazine produced in May 2014, copyrights belong to KMCA.
The Soul EV, Kia’s second electric vehicle, is slated for release in April 2014 to the Korean and European markets. It is powered by an 81.4-kW motor with a maximum output and torque of 111 ps and around 29 kgf-m, respectively. It also comes with a high-capacity 27-kWh lithium ion battery boasting the highest-level energy density (200 Wh/kg) in its class. The per-charge driving range is around 148km (certified by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy). The Soul EV features an EV heat-pump system, which extends driving range by using high-efficiency energy generated by the refrigerant circulation process or the waste heat from the motor or inverter when the air-conditioner or heater, respectively, is in use. It takes around 24 hours and 20 minutes with a 240-V regular charger.
The battery pack, placed under the car’s floor, allows for a spacious interior and lowers the vehicle’s centre of gravity for safer driving. The Soul EV has a larger percentage of ultra-high-strength steel in the vehicle body than its gasoline counterpart, increasing torsional rigidity by 27%. Given that the electric motor makes no noise, the Soul EV is equipped with a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) that emits artificial engine noises t alert pedestrians when the vehicle is driving at a low speed or backing up. With 23.9kg of interior materials made of bio-friendly materials, the Soul EV received a green certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
This is an exact article that has been taken from Kia Motors Move magazine produced in May 2014, copyrights belong to KMCA.
Thanks to efficient combustion enabled by DI and turbocharges, diesel engines have greater power and fuel economy then gasoline engine. However, the combustion process generates large amounts of atmospheric pollutants. Nevertheless, technological advances have significantly reduced emissions, giving rise to ‘clean diesel’. Kia’s common rail direct injection (CRDi) diesel engine features precision, high-pressure fuel injection via an electronic control system that enhances efficiency and power. Our VGT diesel engine employs CDRi as well as the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), which optimizes combustion by raising the turbine’s power at all engine speeds through the precise control of exhaust flow. Kia vehicles powered by these diesel engines have 20-30% higher fuel economy and around 20% lower CO2 emissions than their gasoline counterparts. In 2013, we expanded our diesel lineup to compact sedans with the release of the K3(Forte/Cerato) diesel model to the European markets.
Diesel vehicles emit carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), PM and NOx, 90% of which are removed by diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and the diesel particulate filter (DPF). To reduce NOx emissions, which DPF is unable to filter, Kia Motors developed the Low Pressure EGR System (LP EGR) and the Lean NOx Trap (LNT) in 2012. Kia’s entire diesel lineup meets Euro 5 emission standards, and in early 2014, we will start introducing engines featuring LP-EGR and LNT technologies to meet Euro 6 standards, which is slated to go into effect this year.
This is an exact article that has been taken from Kia Motors Move magazine produced in May 2014, copyrights belong to KMCA
My name is Chris Allan, I am one of the sales consultants here at Toowong KIA and would like to introduce my favourite car in the KIA line up the all new MY14 Optima platinum. This car is loaded with the latest technology, comfort, styling and safety.
Externally the Optima Platinum is exquisite. From the front with the day-time running lights, HID headlamps and ice-cube driving lights work seamlessly together with no contrast in colour in the light beam. I believe KIA have found the right design 18” alloy wheels and yet again tuned the suspension for a smoother and more responsive drive. A sign of why I believe KIA is the fastest growing automotive manufacturer in the world.
The boot space is vast and has more than enough room to fit multiple prams, luggage, golf clubs or holiday equipment. The rear LED combination lamps from the previous MY13 Optima were head turners and yet again KIA have out done themselves on making the rear of this car much better looking than it previous model. Actually from the majority of clients that are looking to purchase a mid-size sedan or wagon often tell me that they have not seen a better or more unique looking vehicle than the Optima.
Walking up to the vehicle with the Key in your pocket the Optima Platinum greats with open arms with the side mirrors automatically folding out and the internal lights lighting up. Sitting in the driver’s seat of the Optima you feel in total control of everything around you. The steering wheel is just the right size with all the latest technology at your fingertips. The information cluster screen directly in front of you shows the front and rear sensors fuel usage, and at the end of your trip shows you your average usage of fuel and time for that drive(all in colour of course).
One of the best things I love about the vehicle to which there are so many is the blind spot monitors and lane departure warning system. Amber lights in the side mirror light up when a vehicle is in your blind spot and flashes and beeps at you when you put your blinker on and start to change lanes to remind you of what is there. I also forgot to mention the not only heated but cooled seats as well for the Australian summer (a god send for leather seating). Sat Nav, reverse camera, auto dimming rear vision mirror panoramic sun roof, full size spare alloy wheel, keyless entry and ignition, cornering lights powerful direct injected engine… the list goes on and on and on. When you put your foot down in the Optima Platinum the power is instant and great.
If you are looking for an incredibly luxurious mid-sized sedan than the KIA Optima Platinum is definitely miles above the rest. I dare you to test drive one today.
Hello, my name is Chris Allan and I am sales consultant at Toowong Kia, during my time here I have had the opportunity to drive the all new Sportage. What I find notable about the Sportage is the amount of room inside the vehicle while keeping the actual size of the vehicle smaller and easy to drive.
The all new design of the Sportage I find very striking and distinctive on the road with its European lines and large alloy wheels, I think the Techno Orange really accentuates these lines and it makes for a distinctive vehicle. What I really like about the Sportage is that even with the European body shape you can still see the front corners of the vehicle as well as the rear of the vehicle being as flat as it is makes reversing a much less worrying exercise.
Once inside the Sportage I found that even being 6 foot tall I had plenty of room in the front and rear seats, with the driver’s seat being comfortable to sit in. One of the things I love about all Kia’s is how easy and self-explanatory all of the controls are, from the air conditioner to the Satellite navigation in the SLi and Platinum models it has been designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind and I think they have nailed it.
Once you get on the road the vehicle is a dream to drive, with the McPherson struts you feel the road but it is by no means firm. The 6 speed auto is great and does not ‘hunt’ for gears even when you put your foot down it is quick to react. With a petrol and a diesel variant there is a Sportage for everyone.
