Parkway Family Kia's Official Stance on Clippers Endorsment

Parkway Family Kia stands in support of the decision that has been made by our corporate leaders in regards to this very controversial issue. Our official stance is the following:

"The comments allegedly made by Clippers owner Donald Sterling are offensive and reprehensible, and they are inconsistent with our views and values. We are suspending our advertising and sponsorship activities with the Clippers. Meanwhile, as fans of the game of basketball, our support of the players and the sport is unwavering."

After his racist comments became public this weekend, corporations are sprinting out of the Staples Center and away from the Clippers and perhaps the most brutal blow comes from KIA who has dropped their sponsorship of the Clippers and suspended their Blake Griffin ads in the process.

This is probably the one sponsorship that detonates the bomb that the Clippers are sitting on as now not only is the league and the team losing money but so too is one of the NBA’s most recognizable faces. KIA isn’t punishing Blake Griffin on purpose but his endorsement deal is collateral damage in the fallout from Donald Sterling’s hateful comments. By KIA stepping away from the Clippers and from Griffin by default, this is the sort of thing that motivates a player to leave the team and never look back.

If there was ever a push to truly get Donald Sterling out as owner of the Clippers, the loss of KIA may be the thing that does it.

Kia's Support for the Classroom

Kia+Donorschoose.org =

Support for Classrooms across the Country

                Parkway Family Kia is proud to give back to the community. As education budgets diminished, Charles Best witnessed fellow teachers attempting to fund classroom projects out of their own pockets. Rather than watch idly, Best founded DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that makes it very easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom projects requests, and individuals can give directly to those that inspire them. More than 170,000 public and charter school teachers have used DonorChoose.org to secure funding for books, art supplies technology, and other resources that their students need to learn.

                In 2013, Kia partnered with DonorChoose.org for a second straight year. For the year, Kia contributed a total of more than $1,500,000, with $500,000 of that total coming from generous dealer marketing groups in the Southern Region. Through the “Double Your Impact” (DYI) donation-matching program, Kia provided 50 percent funding if other citizens philanthropist provided the remainder, effectively doubling citizen donations.

                The funding was used to support seven different Double Your Impact match offers: one national match offer, as well as more localized match offers in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

                Together, with the support of nearly 30,000 citizen philanthropists, Kia’s two-year total impact of public education across the country is now more than $5 million. Through the end of 2013, 2.890 schools received funding for 5,914 projects, engaging an additional 29,263 donors, and reaching over 581,000 students-100% of them in high-need schools.

Kia National Campaign                                                               Impact: Houston

Total classroom impact                                                              Total classroom impact

$1,279,155                                                                                          $332,633

Classroom requested funded                                                   Classrooms requests funded

2,765                                                                                                        541

Students Reached                                                                           Students Reached

233,233                                                                                                  82,474

Schools with funded projects                                                   Schools with funded projects

1,969                                                                                                         260

Individual donors activated                                                        Individual donors activated

15,776                                                                                                      2,323

Dear Kia Owners...

Dear Kia Owners

                We at Parkway Family Kia just want to take some time to pass some appreciation to you directly from our Chief Executors mouth.  “Over the past two decades, Kia Motors America has experienced unprecedented growth and momentum on all fronts. In addition to delivering seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles last year, Kia went on to receive more industry awards and accolades than ever before. Today, Kia is the seventh largest brand in the U.S. by volume, and as one of the fastest moving automakers in the industry today, our focus is to continue concentrating on quality, strengthening our brand and elevating the ownership experience.

                With respect to quality, Kia has proven to be one of the industry’s most improved brands, as evidenced by a host of awards and accolades throughout the year. Honors in 2013 included a move up Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brand list-ahead of companies like Ferrari, Starbucks, and Harley-Davidson-as well as being named one of Interbrand’s Best Global Green Brands; Sorento and Optima being named Kelley Blue Book’s “10 Best Under $25,000” lists in their respective segments; and the 2014 Cadenza and Forte sedans becoming the first Kia vehicle to win major auto enthusiast magazine comparison tests in back-to –back issues of MotorTrend. Kia’s success in motorsport is further testimony to the engineering, quality and reliability of our Optima sedan, which serves as the platform for our race-winning entries in the elite Pirelli World Challenge series.

                Going forward, Kia is marching ahead with new, more prestigious offerings for our customers. This approach started with the upscale Optima SX-L and Sorento SX-L, which paved the way for Kia to successfully introduce the Cadenza premium sedan last year. And now, the upcoming arrival of the all-new K900 is a progressive flagship sedan that will appeal to independent thinkers who confidently seek out something distinct and welcome brands who push the boundaries, and it is the next bold example of the challenger spirit that has benefitted the Kia brand thus far.

                Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication by bringing European-influence design, advanced technology and outstanding quality to every segment we compete in, from subcompact to luxury. And now, as we proudly celebrate our 20^th anniversary here in the U.S., we look forward to many more years of success for which you-our owners-are the reason.

                Thank you, as always, for your ongoing loyalty to the Kia brand.”- Byung Mo Ahn Group Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kia Motor America & Kia Motor Manufacturing Georgia

                On behalf of the entire Kia brand, Parkway Family Kia, wanted to share these words of gratitude and appreciation with you, the customer. Without you, we are not able to be in business.

KIA MOTORS CELEBRATES EARTH WEEK WITH CLEAN MOBILITY SHOWCASE

KIA MOTORS CELEBRATES EARTH WEEK WITH CLEAN MOBILITY SHOWCASE FEATURING LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS AND THE REFRESHED 2014 OPTIMA HYBRID

Automaker Donates Two Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. 

Parkway Family Kia is excited to announce Kia's involvement with giving back to the environment.

-Partnerships with The Ecology Center and Pacific Marine Mammal Center support Kia’s diverse corporate sustainability practices, which include green manufacturing processes and emission-reducing technology

-Improved aerodynamics and efficiency of the 2014 Optima Hybrid is latest evidence of Kia’s commitment to provide technologically advanced vehicles that also reduce dependency on non-renewable resources

Recognized as one of the “50 Best Global Green Brands” by Interbrand, Kia Motors is celebrating Earth Week by highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability in the United States, including important local partnerships with The Ecology Center and Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), as well as marking the arrival of the refreshed 2014 Optima Hybrid in showrooms.  The Optima Hybrid will be joined later this year by Kia’s first all-electric, zero-emission vehicle in the U.S. – the Soul EV – and both vehicles illustrate the brand’s vision for a greener future.  As such, Kia Motors America (KMA) will place two electric car charging units at The Ecology Center, a San Juan Capistrano, Calif.-based non-profit eco-education center dedicated to creating a healthy and abundant future for all of Southern California.  Community members will benefit from Kia-subsidized vehicle charging1.

“Making an impact in the communities we call home is an important component of Kia’s overall sustainability efforts as consumers’ interest in living a ‘green’ lifestyle goes well beyond owning reduced-and zero-emission vehicles to embracing eco-consciousness in all aspects of daily life,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA.  “The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach support food, water supply and marine life conservation, among other environmental issues, and Kia is proud to support the education and preservation missions of both organizations.”

The 2014 Optima Hybrid builds upon the advancements of its award-winning gas-powered sibling, which went on sale in late-fall of last year.  Outfitted with its own exclusive enhancements, including front and rear fascia updates designed to increase aerodynamic efficiency, the 2014 Optima Hybrid improves upon its predecessor, which was named one of the “Top 11 Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans for 2013” by Edmunds.com and set a world record for lowest fuel consumption by a gasoline hybrid car traveling through all 48 contiguous U.S. states, getting nearly 65 mpg over 8,000 miles. 

“As an environmentally minded company, The Ecology Center is extremely pleased to work with Kia to bring subsidized electric vehicle chargers to the local community,” said Evan Marks, executive director, The Ecology Center.  “We are a regional education hub that empowers individuals and families, and our partnership with Kia means we can apply that same thinking on an even broader scope at our facility and better spread the message of sustainability to even more members of the community in southern California and beyond.”

Earlier this year, KMA pledged to support the PMMC’s efforts in a multitude of ways, including the donation of a Soul community outreach vehicle, participating in staff beach clean-ups, sponsoring recovering sea lion patients at the hospital, and more.  The Kia Soul will be used to support the organization’s mission of marine mammal rehabilitation and education.

“Community philanthropy and funds to support education is what keeps non-profit organizations like the PMMC successful in being a widely recognized leader in marine mammal rehabilitation science,” said Keith Matassa, executive director, PMMC.  “As the Center continues to expand its reach, it is the perfect partner with which Kia can work together to bring awareness to the public about environmental conservation and consideration to benefit our planet.”

Kia's "Road to Rio" Campaign for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Kia’s ‘Road to Rio’ to bring excitement in lead up to 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™

-         Kia to feature in new ‘Road to Rio’ TV series from early May

-         Six-part series to air in 150 countries on 40 TV networks*

-         Kia Soul, Sportage and Sorento transport comedians Mark Watson & Henning Wehn on a footballing pilgrimage across South America meeting footballing legends along the way

-         Kia is an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup™

(SEOUL) April 22, 2014 –Parkway Family Kia couldn't be more proud of the brand and their support of the iconic World Cup. As football fans across the world look forward to this summer’s FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, Kia is set to feature in a new TV series on 40 television networks worldwide from early May* that charts an epic 3,000 mile football road trip across South America in order to discover the secrets of the continent’s passion for the beautiful game.

‘Road to Rio’ is a six-part TV series that will see comedians and football fans Mark Watson and Henning Wehn at the wheel of their Kia Soul, as well as other Kia vehicles along the way, travelling to six football-rich countries and discovering how, as an education for children and a religion for parents, football is a way of life in South America.

The football-obsessed duo take their trusty Kia from Uruguay to Brazil and en route they laugh with football-crazy locals, face roadside dramas with llamas, sample the local cuisine and meet a host of footballing legends – a line-up that reads like the ultimate South American fantasy football team.

Six episodes: Six Footballing Nations

The intrepid explorers start their journey in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay and host city of the very first football World Cup, where they attempt to track down Alcides Ghiggia, the only surviving player from the 1950 World Cup final. They pitch their wits against Paolo Montero and attempt to get the inside track on Luis Suarez from his mother.

Next in Argentina, Henning and Mark uncover the secrets behind the country’s footballing success with the help of Alberto Tarantini and try to beat goalkeeping hero Sergio Goycochea in a penalty shoot-out on his live TV show. Off the pitch, they play tennis with Ricky Villa and Henning and Mark turn detective tracking down the elusive Diego Maradona.

After crossing the Andes into Chile, the boys visit ex-West Ham defender Javier Margas’ extraordinary motel, go for a spot of wine tasting with Elias Figueroa and bake a birthday cake for Chilean goal-machine Ivan Zamorano. Heading up the Caribbean coast to Colombia, Mark then spends a night on the town with Faustino Asprilla and they hear about the dark side of Colombian football, before Henning spends a day as a referee.

On reaching Sao Paolo, the boys undergo some Brazilian male grooming before tracking down 70s legend Rivellino, meeting the future Pele (Pele’s own son) and after various thwarted efforts finally tracking down World Cup winner and Middlesbrough legend Juninho.

After five roller-coaster weeks Henning and Mark eventually arrive in Rio. Mark takes to the air in a hang-glider to investigate how World Cup preparations are shaping up and the boys visit what will soon be the most famous stadium on the planet, Estádio do Maracanã. They also meet the Captain of Brazil’s legendary 1970 World Cup winning team, Carlos Alberto, and revive a 1970s Brazilian craze, Autobal – football played by cars.

In between all this, Henning and Mark learn to be gauchos, worship at the Church of Maradona and take a tour of Pablo Escobar’s house with his brother. They also meet Falcao’s father at a local football match and feast on kilo after kilo of South American steak!

Kia: Passionate about football

As an Official Partner of this summer’s 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ it made sense that the ‘Road to Rio’ journey happen in a Kia.  During their adventure Mark and Henning drive the latest funky Soul urban crossover, the Sportage crossover and the Sorento SUV.

Artur Martins, Vice President of Marketing, Kia Motors Europe, commented: “As a brand that is passionate about football, and with the World Cup just around the corner, we were happy to put the wheels under Mark and Henning’s footballing road trip with some of our latest vehicles.  The All-New Soul, that features in the show, has just been launched across Europe so ‘Road to Rio’ is a great opportunity for thousands of football fans to see our stylish urban crossover in action.”

Kia has been an Official Automotive Partner of FIFA since 2007, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and UEFA EURO 2012™, and has recently strengthened their involvement in the game with an unprecedented long-term commitment of extending their partnership with FIFA until 2022.

‘Road to Rio’ will air on 40 television networks around the world and be shown in 150 countries. 

Kia Reveals the K4 Concept Sedan

Parkway Family Kia has been following the news on the brand and are happy and sad to give some information on the new Kia K4 concept. Among the dozens of foreign automakers eager to showcase their wares to the Chinese market, Kia arrived at the Beijing Motor Show with the new K4. Though technically categorized as a "concept," the K4 previews a sedan which Kia intends to launch in China later this year.

The K4 is a midsize sedan measuring 186 inches long and riding on a 106-inch wheelbase that makes it bigger than the Forte (sold in the Far East as the K3) and just a few inches shorter than the Optima (aka K5). The form is draped in familiar Kia-style bodywork, with a high trunk and low nose to give it a wedge shape and a familiar if somewhat new take on the headlights and grille seen on other new models from the Korean automaker.

Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbo four (smaller than the engines available in the Optima/K5) mated to a seven-speed DCT. Kia has also fitted the K4 concept with push-button ignition, UVO infotainment system, rear-view camera, six airbags and stability management. In short, everything you'd expect from the latest product of a global automaker.

Unfortunately Kia hasn't released much more information than that (or more than two photos, for that matter), but the K4 isn't a product destined for our shores anyway. One can only hope that one day, if the sales support it, it will arrive in the U.S.

KIA K900 AND SOUL NAMED “MUST TEST DRIVE” VEHICLES FOR 2014 BY AUTOTRADER.COM

Parkway Family Kia is really enjoying the recognition that the Kia brand has been getting as of late. “The Kia brand has always challenged convention and has consistently redefined the notion of what value means since entering the U.S. market 20 years ago,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales & marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA).  “To be recognized by the editors of AutoTrader.com for our new luxury flagship sedan and our wildly popular affordable halo vehicle is a clear indication that our products continue to surprise and delight today’s new-car buyers with a perfect balance of world-class design and quality, user-friendly technology and amenities, as well as value.”

To be selected for the AutoTrader.com 2014 Must Test Drive accolade, vehicles must be available for sale by October of 2014, be widely available for sale in the U.S. (at least half of the 50 states), have a base price under $75,000 and be produced (or planned to be produced) in volumes of 10,000 or more.  The judging criteria focused on four key attributes: value, comfort, performance and style.  Vehicles that were selected to the AutoTrader.com 2014 Must Test Drive list where those that had to be driven to be fully appreciated and offered something unexpected that would surprise car shoppers, particularly those who may not have previously thought to consider that brand or model before.

A street Soul named desire

The totally transformed Kia Soul design is instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh, with more than a passing nod to the hot Track’ster concept that was unveiled in 2012.  Riding on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, the all-new Soul has grown up without losing its edge, allowing for more passenger and cargo room while reducing NVH levels. A flatter torque curve and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments.

“The Soul is on our Must Test Drive list because it really isn't just another small SUV.  Many of these little cars use a certain cute factor to hide a low-budget interior, not the Soul,” said Moody.  “With notable options like navigation, streaming audio, Infinity sound, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a huge panoramic sunroof, the Kia Soul is anything but just another affordable subcompact.”

Honoring Soul owners’ fierce individualism, three unique trim levels are available: Base, Plus and Exclaim.  With a base price of just $14,900 excluding the $795 destination chargeSoul has become the brand’s top-selling subcompact vehicle since going on sale late last year.
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KBB Brand Image Award "Best Value Brand"

Parkway Family Kia is very proud of the latest award that has been given to the vehicle line. Last week, Kelley Blue Book announced Kia Motors America is a 2014 Brand Image Award winner for the “Best Value Brand.” The award showcases Kia’s continued commitment to providing value to its customers with an impressive lineup of stylish and fuel-efficient vehicles. This is a significant accolade by KBB.com, the leading provider of new and used car information, as it provides recognition of Kia’s evolution into a high-value brand. Importantly, Kia edged out Honda for the “Best Value Brand” title this year.

 From the entry-level models all the way up to the newer, more luxurious models, Kia vehicles are well known for offering more features per dollar than most of the competition. Not only that, but you get styling inside and out that makes every Kia look like a much more expensive car than it is. And now that Kia's resale values are competitive, too, the brand offers more value than ever.

"To be named a 2014 Brand Image Award winner for 'Best Value Brand' by Kelley Blue Book showcases Kia's continued commitment to providing tremendous value to its customers," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA.  "Value will always be at the forefront of every vehicle we sell.  From the Rio all the way to the recently introduced K900 rear-drive luxury sedan, Kia continues to redefine what value means by offering an entire line-up of stunningly designed vehicles that are packed with the features and amenities today's new-car shoppers demand."

Kia's "Best Value Brand" distinction is based on annual new-car buyer perception data collected by Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence's Brand Watch Study.

"Kia has come a long way in the eyes of the consumer," said Arthur Henry, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "Once known only for offering economy cars with good gas mileage, the brand has evolved through product growth and maturity into a high-value brand.  This is a similar path fellow import brands Honda and Toyota took in the 1970s.  In fact, Kia edges out Honda this year for the Best Value Brand title."

There is no better reason to buy a Kia. The proof is in the award that has been bestowed. If you have any questions or have not gotten to experience a Kia first hand, stop in to Parkway Family Kia.

ALL-NEW 2015 KIA SEDONA MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

ALL-NEW 2015 KIA SEDONA MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Parkway Family Kia stood in awe on 4-14-14 as Kia revealed the new 2015 Kia Sedona.  Set against the backdrop of one of the world’s premier urban playgrounds, Kia Motors America (KMA) took the wraps off the all-new 2015 Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle in New York City. As the final chapter in Kia’s design-led transformation story – which began in 2009 and has seen a comprehensive makeover of Kia’s entire model line under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – the all-new Sedona’s CUV-like styling and proportions offer all of the functional convenience of the segment while defying its design limitations. In addition to innovative European-inspired design, the 2015 Sedona also delivers the exceptional interior volume buyers expect in the segment with ample passenger and cargo room and a quiet and comfortable cabin. Following the philosophy that has guided Kia’s recent succession of highly successful redesigns, the Sedona advances value to new levels of sophistication with a host of segment-leading new technology and upscale features, all of which will be offered in a new premium trim level – SXL – which will be available when U.S. sales are scheduled to begin in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the Sedona’s launch date. We will keep you posted as the information continues and we have a solid release date.

The Redesigned 2015 Kia Sedona

The Redesigned 2015 Kia Sedona

Parkway Family Kia has been on pins and needles with anticipation. Over the last two weeks, Kia released two dark photos of what it says depict the next-generation, 2015 Kia Sedona. In its first statement from last week, Kia announced that the Sedona will seat up to eight people. The statement issued yesterday gives a bit more information. Kia explains that the redesigned 2015 Sedona "rides on an all-new chassis powered by a 3.3-liter gasoline direct injected (GDI) V6 engine and offers a host of innovative technology and safety features, including Kia’s next-generation UVO Infotainment & Telematics system."

The current Sedona dates back to the 2007 model year and places last in our minivans rankings behind more recently updated rivals such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Of the current Sedona, Car and Driver notes that "it’s old as dirt by modern standards, and it looks nothing like this fairly sporty replacement. …"

Other publications are hopeful that teaser photos are indicative of a sportier minivan as well. Motor Trend writes, "The Sedona's roofline sweep and the cheating window line work together to give the onlookers the impression that the Sedona is on the move while stationary."

Kelley Blue Book adds that the sleeker overall look and more highly styled front end indicate that "the redesigned Sedona will have a bolder presence than the current model. …"

The 2015 Kia Sedona will officially debut next week at the New York International Auto Show. No pricing information has yet been released, but for reference, the 2014 model starts at $25,900.

Keep you ears and eyes here on our blog for the latest news in regards to the new and upcoming 2015 Kia Sedona. You can also follow us on Facebook here.

2014 Best Overall Compact Sedan Awards

There was a recent comparison done for the overall best Sedan of 2014 that was conducted by Motor Trend. This is an annual thing that is a large amount of road testing that is completed with the best of the best in each class. Typically in North America and Europe the compact car sedans set the standard because of the economic effects given today’s price of ownership and cost of fuel. Parkway Family Mazda is extremely excited to announce that the 2014 Mazda3 did fantastically, taking the overall award. Parkway Family Kia is also pleased that the 2014 Kia Forte also took the number spot, overall. The testing for this award includes everything from a vigorous road test including performance, efficiency, cockpit and cabin, safety, value, and cost of ownership.

Ride & Handling

The 2014 Mazda3's in-town ride quality is a tad sharper-edged than that of the others, but mass-reduction efforts clearly left some sound-deadeners behind, as it seemed to be the loudest freeway cruiser. On the twisties, however, this engine's snarl, the chassis' agility, the best-in-test steering feel, and the well-bolstered seats earn straight A’s and encourage miscreant cornering behavior. Testing director Kim Reynolds was surprised the Mazda felt "nose-heavy, yawing at a noticeably slower natural frequency" on the figure-eight course, but it managed to edge out the much quicker and more powerful Jetta by a precious tenth to win that test. And the spry Mazda3 truly shone on Mulholland Highway, prompting executive editor Ron Kiino to declare it the "best driver here—great steering, nice ride, fun and sporty handling." Most of us agreed.

The zippy little 2014 Kia Forte also acquitted itself well on the curves of Mulholland Highway, with a ride that managed to feel firm and well-buttoned, without jiggling our giblets over the rough stuff. The Forte impressed Reynolds on the figure-eight course, demonstrating "the Forte's solidity and refinement with a slightly nimbler feel and tremendously improved steering."

7th Place: Dodge Dart

A handsome handler, and you'll pay less per pound or per pony, but it costs the most in the long run.

6th Place: Volkswagen Jetta

How many bells and whistles must you trade for big turbo fun? Most of them.

5th Place: Hyundai Elantra

Jack of all compact virtues, master of none -- a solid-C all-around.

4th Place: Toyota Corolla

You could do yoga in the back seat -- and have way more fun than driving the car.

3rd Place: Honda Civic

Great tranny, brakes, and sticker price, but where's that magic Honda driving joy?

2nd Place: KiaForte

A fantastic little car let down by a dodgy safety rating and high ownership costs.

1st Place: Mazda3

The Big Test report card with the most A’s wins.

                The Parkway Family is very pleased with the performances that were accomplished by both brands Mazda and Kia. We stand behind both brands whole heartedly. There is no better time than now to purchase a new 2014 Forte or 2014 Mazda3. If you have any additional questions then feel free to stop in to Parkway Family Mazda or Parkway Family Kia. You can also message us on Facebook for Mazda here, and for Kia here.