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Last year proved to be quite a successful sales year for Kia Motors America (KMA). In fact, with a total of 625,818 vehicles sold the brand saw an eight percent increase over annual sales from 2014, which also makes this their best-ever annual sales. Kia also set a new sales record in December, rising up 19 percent from the previous year to reach 54,241 units sold for the month. This marks the eighth month in a row that KMA has reported a year-over-year sales increase. Along with the record-breaking sales in 2015, Kia celebrated their six millionth vehicle sold in the U.S. A few additional highlights for the year include: Soul sales increased for the sixth year in a row K900 sales doubled from 2014 Sedona sales increased by more than 150 percent Best-ever annual sales reported for the Optima, Forte, Forte5, and Forte Koup “Even without the benefit of a truck in our lineup, Kia began 2015 as one of Yahoo!’s ‘hottest brands’ and it only got better from there as we outperformed the record-setting industry and posted big gains in several passenger car and CUV segments,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “The new Kia is a recognized leader in design, quality, advanced technology and value, and with three all-new products scheduled to launch in 2016, we will continue challenging everything people think they know about this brand and our world-class products.” "RECORD DECEMBER POWERS KIA MOTORS AMERICA TO BEST-EVER ANNUAL SALES TOTAL." RECORD         DECEMBER POWERS KIA MOTORS AMERICA TO BEST-EVER ANNUAL SALES TOTAL. N.p., 5 Jan.         2016. Web. 07 Jan. 2016.

In one of our blogs last week we shared with you the first seven facts on the MotorTrend list of “14 Fun Facts and Cool Features On The 2017 Kia Sportage”. Now, we have the second half of the list available for you below so that you can continue to learn about some interesting information about this all-new model before its makes its official debut sometime later this year. Return of the Turbocharged Engine: The brand chose to carry over the 2.0L I-4 Engine from the current model into the 2017 Sportage making it one of the only vehicles in its segment to offer an engine that generates more than 200 horsepower. Three Driving Modes: This model comes equipped with three different driving modes so that you can choose the one that best suits you at any given moment. These modes include Normal. Eco, and Sport. Driver-Centric Cockpit: The 2017 Sportage has truly been designed to offer driver’s a sportier and more exciting driving experience. In keeping with that ideal the cockpit was designed to cater to the driver with features such as a flat-bottom steering wheel, a center stack that has been tilted towards the driver, and sportier paddle shifters. More Cargo Space: The interior of this new model has been redesigned to offer significantly more cargo space. The 2017 model will offer 60.1 cubic feet of space, an increase that is made possible in part thanks to the new split-folding rear seats. Debut of UV03: Kia will be debuting UV03, the newest version of their infotainment system in the 2017 Sportage. Depending on which trim level you opt for this system will be available through either a five, seven, or eight-inch touchscreen. The system also includes several other features that are specific to the different trim levels. Standard Android Auto On EX and SX Trims: The EX and SX trim levels of the 2017 Sportage will come equipped with Android Auto and the brand plans to add Apple CarPlay as well. Extensive Suite of Active Safety Features: This new model will be the second vehicle in the Kia lineup to include a suite of active safety features, the first being the 2016 Optima. A few of the safety features you will be able to find on this model include blind-spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Ogbac, Stefan. "14 FUN FACTS AND COOL FEATURES ON THE 2017 KIA SPORTAGE." MotorTrend. N.p., 23 Dec. 2015. Web. <http%3A%2F%2F www.motortrend.com%2Fnews%2F14-fun-facts-cool-features-2017-kia-sportage%2F >.

No matter how many years you have been driving, the first time you get behind the wheel of a new car it can be a bit intimidating since you have to now get used to where everything is in this vehicle and how is all operates. This can also be even more intimidating of you are switching manufacturers. Recently, Kia Motors released an Animated Driving Guide on their YouTube page that offers a few important tips to not only Kia owners, but drivers in general. This new video runs for just over 12 minutes and it is broken down into four chapters, Situation Before Driving, Driving, Parking, and Situational Driving. All four chapters are then followed up by three additional tips. We have the full video available for you above and we encourage you to head on over to Midwest Kia with any questions that you may have about your new Kia vehicle.

While the 2017 Kia Sportage may not be scheduled to arrive in dealerships until sometime next year MotorTrend has released a list of 14 fun facts about this all-new model in order to allow customers learn a little more about it while they await its arrival. We have the first seven facts from the list available for you to see below and we will release the remaining facts in our next blog. Take a look through these fun facts to learn more and be sure to keep an eye out for the arrival of this all-new SUV here at Midwest Kia. Built in South Korea, Developed in California: While many new Kia vehicles are now manufactured in North America, the Sportage is one of the few vehicles that are still made in the brand’s home country of South Korea. Even so, the newest generation of the Sportage was originally developed at the Hyundai-Kia Proving Grounds. Stronger Body: The 2017 model was designed to be stronger and more tough thanks to the use of more advanced high-strength steel being used in 51 percent of the body of this vehicle. This is 33 percent higher than the amount used in the current model and it improves the vehicle’s rigidity by 39 percent. Striking Yet Familiar Appearance: This vehicle has been given an impressive new redesign that has it looking more striking than anything else in its class. However, even with new features such as LED lights places like propellers on the front it still offers the familiar look of the previous generation Sportage vehicles. “Ice Cube” LED Fog Lights: The signature cube LED lights on the 2017 Sportage provide a more aggressive look to the front of the vehicle and help it to stand out more, especially at night. Redesigned Grille: Most of the vehicles in the Kia lineup include the brand’s signature tiger nose grille. On the Sportage, however, the grill is larger and more striking with a more vertical design that gives the front end of this vehicle a more aggressive look. Suspension and Steering Overhaul: The suspension system in the 2017 Kia Sportage has been given a substantial overhaul that helped to improve its overall stability, ride, and handling. Additionally, this model has been equipped with a revised electric power steering system that offers 25 percent less friction. Locking Center Differential and Unique Front Fascia in AWD Models: The AWD versions of the 2017 Kia Sportage include a 50/50 locking center differential and a new front fascia that allows you to approach at a steeper angle when you are driving on more rugged off-road terrain. Ogbac, Stefan. "14 FUN FACTS AND COOL FEATURES ON THE 2017 KIA SPORTAGE." MotorTrend. N.p., 23 Dec. 2015. Web. <http%3A%2F%2F www.motortrend.com%2Fnews%2F14-fun-facts-cool-features-2017-kia-sportage%2F >.

Here at Midwest Kia, we’re celebrating one of our best years ever and that’s thanks to all our customers from Wichita, Derby, Hutchinson, Park City and Newton, KS! We hope you all have a wonderful and fun New Year and we look forward to seeing you after the holiday.

The 2016 Kia Soul will soon be featured in a new Research & Review page that Midwest Kia is going to be releasing for all of our customers from Wichita, Derby, Hutchinson, Park City, and Newton, KS. Keep your eye out for the arrival of this page in order to learn all of the details of this model before you head into our dealership to take it out for a test drive. Some of the facts this page will provide include trim level options, standard and available features EPA estimates, and much more.

Midwest Kia would like to say Happy Holidays to all our great customers in the Wichita, Derby, Hutchinson, Park City, and Newton, KS area. After you relax and have a great time with your families, we hope to see you soon here at 8725 Kellogg Drive in Wichita, KS 67209.

Three Kia vehicles have been presented with 2016 Top Safety Pick Ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All three vehicles received this impressive safety rating by earning a score of “good” in each of the five crash test performed by IIHS. These tests include the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint. Additionally, all three of these vehicles also received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick Winners: 2016 Kia Sedona 2016 Kia Sorento 2016 Kia Soul If you are interested in finding out more about any of these impressive vehicles then we invite you to stop by Midwest Kia located at 8725 W Kellogg Dr. Wichita, KS 67209 anytime to take one out for a test drive. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. N.p., n.d. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iihs.org%2Fiihs%2Fratings%2FTSP-List>.

For the 2015 SEMA Show, Kia set out to bring a whole array of unique vehicles to make them stand out amongst the large variety of vehicles that were sure to be on display at this annual event. For one of their display cars, they teamed up with Lux Motorwerks in Keyport, NJ and asked them to transform a 2016 Kia Forte Koup into a custom mud bogger. Mud Bogging s a sport where drivers take their vehicle through trails filled with deep, thick mud, therefore, the vehicle must be high off the ground and come equipped with large, strong, sturdy tires among other customizations. The crew at Lux Motorwerks was more than happy to accept this challenge and they went to work turning this all-new Kia into the ultimate one-of-a-kind mud bogger. A few of the customizations they added to this model include a new midnight blue paint job, red Sparco racing seats, adding a roll cage, and lifting the suspension. Hear all about more of the custom work the group did to this model by watching the video below!

In a Quick Spin review of the 2016 Kia Optima MotorWeek stated that each Optima they have tested over the years has managed to improve upon and greatly outshine the previous model. The 2016 model has of course proven to be no exception to that rule as this newest Optima brings all of the impressive design and performance capabilities of the 2015 model and takes them to the next level in order to continue improving on this sleek and sophisticated midsize sedan. We have the 2016 Kia Optima here at Midwest Kia and we invite all of our customers from Wichita, Derby, Hutchinson, Park City, and Newton, KS to head into our dealership and take it out for a test drive. Additionally, be such to check out the video below to hear more of what MotorWeek had to say in their review before you head on over to 8725 Kellogg Drive.

DonorsChoose.org Kia Motors America (KMA) is helping to give back to some of the country’s highest-need schools this holiday season by teaming up with DonorsChoose.org. This organization is a crowdfunding charity that has helped to raise over $380 million for various public schools in the fifteen years since it was first founded by Charles Best, a former teacher. For this season, DonorsChoose.org set out on a “Holidays on Us” road tour that was sponsored by Kia. Throughout this week, a series of Teacher appreciation events were held in San Diego, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, using the 2016 Optima to travel from place to place. This tour has been designed to provide flash funding of close to $500,000 to eligible projects in each of those areas. “Kia and our dealers are dedicated to helping DonorsChoose.org meet its five-year goal and continue making a positive and lasting difference for students and teachers in need,” said Tim Chaney, vice president, marketing communications, KMA.  “We encourage people to visit DonorsChoose.org/Kia to learn how they can make a difference for as little as $1.” "KIA AND DONORSCHOOSE.ORG “FLASH FUND” CLASSROOM PROJECTS IN HIGH-NEED SCHOOLS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON." Kia Media. N.p., 4 Dec. 2015. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiamedia.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fmedia%2Fpressreleases%2F10978%2Fkia-and-donorschooseorg-flash-fund-classroom-projects-in-high-need-schools-this-holiday-season>.

Ever since Lebron James (or King James as some refer to him) Tweeted that he was “rolling around” in his K900 and that he loved the car, there has been a flock of naysayers looking to find “The Truth” about the K900 Luxury Ambassador. However, the truth is, James assumed this role in October of 2014, after he reached out to Kia. To prove this, Kia has begun rolling out a multi-platform campaign that addresses Tweets the basketball star received like, “I’ll bet anyone $10,000,000 that LeBron doesn’t roll up to the games in a Kia”, “There’s a thousand percent chance that there’s a zero percent chance that LeBron drives a Kia” and “LeBron drives a Kia like I fly a spaceship.” “The award-winning K900 exemplifies the incredible transformation of the Kia brand, and as a tastemaker who is not afraid to go his own way, LeBron James plays an important role in our efforts to change perception by challenging consumers to discover the new Kia,” said Tim Chaney, vice president of marketing communications, KMA. “LeBron is pushing people to question everything they think they know about our brand, and we could not be more proud of the fact that he can often be seen driving in and around the Cleveland area in a Kia K900.” If you’d like to drive like a king, come into Midwest Kia. You can take the K900 out for a test drive and see exactly why Lebron James said “I was a Kia K900 driver and fan before we decided to become partners, for me, a partnership has to be authentic and real to who I am, and that’s what makes this one so special." "LEBRON JAMES TELLS “THE TRUTH” ABOUT DRIVING HIS KIA K900 LUXURY SEDAN." Http://www.kiamedia.com/. Kia Media, 3 Dec. 2015. Web. 9 Dec. 2015.