Looking at Kia’s lineup and its clear it is one for those who don’t want to blend in. Bold, sharp designs that make you love them or hate them. Hyundai’s fluid styling is less polarizing. The Soul is one of those polarizing cars, but what you can’t really deny is its coolness factor. We can’t help but think of the hamsters when we see it either. Now there’s the mark of a successful advertising campaign…..

At Chicago Kia is either offering us a preview of the next Soul (which is a way out) or a new sports model. Lets hope it is the former. As far as funky small coupes go, Hyundai has the Veloster. Kia is left without one, selling the more mainstream Koup. Ditching the four-door layout of the Soul, the Track’ster is, as its name implies, designed for the track in mind.

A track-going Soul might have been a laughable thought, but the Track’ster is unlike any Soul you’ve ever seen. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 250 horsepower. Instead of front-wheel drive, the Track’ster puts power to the wheels through an all-wheel drive system. Its pretty much the concept of a hot hatch and one that has styling win written all over it. The Track’ster is low to the ground and decked out in a white and red color scheme.

The roof is painted in red, and it slants downward to the meet up with the rear C-pillar. It conveys motion, and still should offer a nice amount of headroom back there – if there was a seat that is. For the concept, there isn’t. Instead, the Track’ster has a shelf that is meant for racing gear like suits, helmets, tools and the like.

So is this production or a dream entry? Who knows, it isn’t clear with the Track’ster like it is with most concepts. WIth Hyundai having the Veloster though we think it is a distinct possibility. As for us, we give a resounding yes to whether or not it should be produced. From a styling and packaging perspective we’d rather have this than a MINI Cooper or Fiat 500. We bet it would cost a whole lot less too. Kia design is on a roll!

Related posts:

1. 2010 Kia Soul is teh l33t hawtness
2. 2010 Kia Soul Named “Best New Car for Your Teen”
3. 2010 Kia Soul Plus Review

Every year, many people’s favorite part of the Super Bowl are the commercials. Year after year, it seems like more and more automotive-related commercials are being aired. For 2012, the Super Bowl XLVI didn’t disappoint, with a range of funny car commercials. Check them all out below:

(if the videos fail to load at first, click here to reload the page)

Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – “Cheetah”

2012 Acura NSX – “Transactions” (Jerry Seinfeld)

Chevy Silverado – “2012″ (The one Ford asked Chevy not to air)

Cars.com – “Confident You”

2012 Honda CR-V – “Matthew’s Day Off” (aka “Honda’s Ferris Bueller Commericial”)

2012 Audi S7 – “Vampire Party”

2012 Toyota Camry – “It’s Reinvented”

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – “Think Fast”

2012 Kia Optima Big Game – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Cadillac ATS – “Green Hell”

Suzuki Kizashi – “Sled” (with 50 Cent)

2013 Lexus GS – “Beast”

Fiat 500 Abarth – “Seduction”

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America”

2012 Volkswagen Beetle – “The Dog Strikes Back”

Bridgestone – “Performance Football”

2012 Toyota Camry – “Connections”

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1. Super Bowl Car Commercials
2. 2011 Automotive Super Bowl Commercials
3. Volkswagen Debuts Two Super Bowl Commercials

As expected early this 2012 year, automakers posted some very optimistic sales numbers for the United States marketplace for 2011. A place where consumers still love their cars, 2011 provided an excellent year for North American car fans. No other time in the North American auto industry has motorists been able to explore so much freedom and choice.

In only three years, the American auto industry has turned from forecasted shambles to a rosier, settled environment. Hitting Chrysler and General Motors in the most severe manner, no major auto company was truly immune to the economic troubles started in late 2008. Similar to reaction from the global banking and financial sector, it wasn’t until a key period where the public truly understood until bankruptcy papers were being filed.

The combination of troubled business models and customers losing access to money or car loans needed for purchases led to a disappointing start of the 2009 calendar year. Between seven major automakers selling vehicles in the United States (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia), auto sales amounted to 9,124,380 cars in all of 2009 (5,145,746 units lower than just two years prior). It was only through a United States government sponsored new car purchase program that the tides began to reverse. Known as “Cash for Clunkers,” motorists were able to trade in an old vehicle for a guaranteed trade-in credit.

After the 12 months of 2011, the same seven automakers have steadily performed better than the disastrous 2009 auto sales year. When the 2011 year ended, 10,987,403 were sold by the seven high volume automakers in the United States. Up 20.4 percent from 2009, the 2011 results continued the gains made after 2010 as some elements of the economy recuperated. Recognizing there is so many reasons to celebrate the improvement of the North American motor vehicle industry, the recent auto sale numbers indicating positive momentum from dismal 2009 figures have shown that the current car business is far from past glory.

The Detroit Three

For automakers Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, six years have seen once-proclaimed Big Three transform into the more modest moniker Detroit Three. In 2005, General Motors led United States car sales handsomely with 4,454,385 vehicles. Thanks to declining sales due to a changing economy and the doom of bankruptcy, 2009 vehicle sales dropped 53.2 percent for GM at just 2,084,492 units. Recovering with auto sales reaching 2,503,820 vehicles after 2011, the improvement comes with the loss of brands Pontiac and Hummer as well as the offloading of the now troubled Saab. The major source for General Motors’ traction in the United States automotive marketplace remains the Chevrolet division with 1,775,812 products sold last year. In 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze accounted for 231,732 of Chevrolet’s sales becoming a star for the auto industry.

In the case of Chrysler Group, a sales drop of 59.6 percent from 2005 to 2009 indicated a particularly volatile presence not seen since the 1979 bankruptcy. Over the past six years, Chrysler was separated from Daimler-Benz, sold to a private equity group, filed bankruptcy and was partly rescued by Italian auto giant Fiat Group. As Chrysler’s 1,369,114 unit sales recovery in 2011 is still almost one million vehicles short of 2005 levels. Chrysler will be relying on vehicles like the 2013 Dodge Dart to entice consumers while also attempting to lure commercial vehicle contracts with the Ram brand that should include at least one new work van in the near future.

While Ford Motor Company escaped the need for government assistance, the past six years has taken the Blue Oval car company on a wild ride. Selling 3,168,156 vehicles in 2005, Ford Motor Company posted 2,148,806 in 2011 sales. As Ford devoted their business back to cars, truck sales have taken a sizable hit. Despite a reduction in truck sales, the Ford F-150 and Ford Escape remain the top-selling vehicles by the carmaker in 2011. Losing Mercury and still struggling to bring Lincoln back to the luxury car forefront challenges Ford’s total recovery. A reborn Ford brand line-up that includes the 2013 Taurus and Fusion sedans plus the 2013 Escape crossover are future vanguards for healthy auto sales.

Some people (even the same ones who originally wished the US government to protect financial institutions with taxpayer dollars) wanted to allow General Motors and Chrysler to succumb to liquidation. Led first by former president George W Bush’s administration with emergency financial aid and later by Barack Obama’s White House directing the needed loans through GM and Chrysler’s bankruptcy, both car companies survived. Wanting to be relieved of the public taunting of phrases such as “Government Motors”, GM and Chrysler paid back the emergency assistance late in 2011. Regardless of political leaning or perhaps free of such constraints, government intervention of the two American auto companies stabilized what could have been a much harsher industry-wide events. What if many more autoworkers would be out of the job? What if the 100th year of Chevrolet had been marred with a giant production blackout continuing to this day? Those and other questions can be answered hypothetically.

US Auto Market for Import Brands

While the mighty Detroit Three restructured their business model, many would believe the Japanese automakers Honda and Toyota have finally entered prime position to eat drastically eat away at the market. However, just like the American based companies, the Japanese carmakers have been suffering similar sales slippage from 2005 levels. Toyota Motor Corporation 2011 auto sales of 1,644,661 units is 27 percent lower than the 2005 year (Toyota fell just short of Chrysler with yearlong sales in 2005). Honda’s United States auto sales have also been noticeably lower at 21.5 percent over 2005 numbers. Third place in US sales among the Japanese carmakers is Nissan. Suffering a drop of about 230,000 vehicles from 2005 to 2009, Nissan pulled an enviable achievement recovering all but around 34,000 units in US sales delivering 1,042,534 vehicles to customers during 2011.

Bucking the trend of the economic hardships felt by leading auto companies was the South Korea’s Hyundai/Kia. In 2009, Hyundai/Kia actually posted a modest growth. Still emerging as a trustworthy company in the United States in 2005, the South Korean entity of Hyundai Motor America and sister group Kia Motors were able to benefit from a slimmer market profile. Kia and Hyundai brands have steadily sailed forward in American auto sales that totalled 1,131,183 vehicles after the 2011 calendar year. Increasing annual sales by 400,000 cars and crossover vehicles 2005 through 2011, records a sensational 54.77 percent increase in sales.

The US Auto Sales Recovery to Date

Despite successes and disappointments, the results of these seven top auto companies (totalling 10,987,403 units in 2011) shows that recovery is not yet a full recuperation to previous years. The point of observing this six-year span of sales numbers in the United States paints a picture of a different time in the auto industry on a continent. From the buzz at the upcoming auto shows, with all the uncertainty that recalls, the latest in advanced propulsion technology, the lessons of the past pushes a stride to former glory or even to a greater future.

Information source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, American Honda Motors, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors, Nissan Americas, Toyota Motor Corporation
Photo source: Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group

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2011 was a great year for Hyundai/Kia. The company achieved record sales in the United States and around the globe. With a lot of 2010 model year debuts hitting their stride, it was a breakout year. The stigma from previous econoboxes the company produced is steadily disappearing. The level of competition in the mainstream auto market is fierce. It has forced everyone to step up.

The Japanese automakers are now the ones trailing in quality and vehicle competitiveness, a remarkable change. The size of the auto market is expected to grow by a good margin in 2012, but Hyundai chairman Chung Mong-koo is predicting slower growth for his company. His prediction came during his annual speech to company employees. Over the past few years, Hyundai and Kia have experienced double-digit growth.

Reported by Reuters, Mong-koo predicts growth of around 6 percent, which is nothing to turn your nose up at. The lower figure quoted is said to be due to overstretched capacity and a desire to focus on quality. Sometimes in a rush for quantity, quality can suffer significantly. That is something the company wants to avoid. Given troubles with other manufacturers (ahem, Toyota) that have grown too fast, that is a worthy goal. Still, industry analysts expect Hyundai and Kia to post higher growth than the chairman’s guidance.

For 2011, Hyundai and Kia sales are up 15 percent, to 6.6 million. The target Hyundai gave was 6.33 million vehicles. Next year the prediction is 7 million, but others are predicting 7.2 million or higher. That it is still well under competitors like Toyota, which is predicting 20 percent growth for 2012 and a record tally of 8.48 million. Two key markets, the United States and China, appear to be very strong going into this new year. The only issues is that the European crisis is putting a damper on sales there. Hopes in the industry are that they will get their issues resolved as quickly as possible.

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3. Hyundai Teases 2012 Azera

Back in July, we reported on a story about two rear-wheel drive concept cars coming from Kia. The first would debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the second at the North American International Auto Show. It appears that story, via What Car? is correct. New images of a rear-wheel drive Kia sedan have leaked on the internet, courtesy of Car & Driver. Thanks to the image leaks, we know the car’s name too: GT.

Hyundai and Kia are under one roof, and while both have made extremely impressive gains in sales and in product development, Kia hasn’t followed Hyundai down the RWD path. Not yet, that is. The Genesis, Genesis Coupe and Equus sedan are as-of-yet the only cars in Hyundai’s platform to be RWD. The first concept set to debut is a four-door sedan – Kia aims to gauge public reaction for a production model (referred to as “K7″ or “K9″ in the media) to follow.

Hyundai’s styling is dubbed fluidic sculpture. Kia’s new models tack an entirely opposite tack than Hyundai, with edgy lines and highly modern surfaces the order of the day. The Optima demonstrates this very well. The looks finds its best home yet on the GT Concept. We really like it, because the GT manages to look unique, without elements copied wholesale from other cars.

The greenhouse is distinct, and there’s a lack of a B-pillar thanks to suicide doors. Overall, there is something just right about the proportions. If there was an area we’re not as keen on it would have to be the front end; it is quite busy.

The question is how much of the GT Concept is able to translate to production. The interior definitely isn’t at this stage. The GT Concept is a reaction concept, showing Kia testing the waters of a high-end sedan and a further evolution of its design language. “I believe the car is a strong statement from Kia: We are ready to fast forward to an all-new chapter,” says the Kia’s head of design Peter Schreyer. Kia aims to tackle the performance side, and this car is suitably more aggressive-looking than its Hyundai counterparts. Reports say it will slot in between the Genesis and Equus when it arrives. Couldn’t they have thought of a more inspired name for a concept though?

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While Hyundai and Kia both have similar lineups that share underlying platforms and engines, for now Hyundai has kept its rear-wheel drive platform and “Tau” V-8 to itself. That has led to questions about where the two brands are positioned relative to each other.

They seem to be quite close, but Kia has been focusing more on offering a bolder, technology-oriented design that is sportier than Hyundai. Auto show season is still a way off, but that isn’t stopping the rumor mill from cranking up about the models we will see debut.

For enthusiasts looking to tap into the potential of Hyundai’s RWD platform with a sporty offering, a model from Kia couldn’t be better news. It does seem highly likely a sedan is coming, and that car is currently being referred to by its codename “K7″. But what about a coupe?

Website What Car?says not one but two cars are coming – in concept form anyway. The information isn’t purely conjecture either, as What Car? spoke with Kia executive Hank Lee in Seoul, South Korea.

The first car will make an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the second at the North American International Auto Show. Both will be two-door, V-8 coupes that are meant to gauge public interest in their production.

If approval is given, Kia could have a production car on the road by 2015. It’ll be interesting to see how production-ready the designs are, and if they will preview anything we’ll be seeing from the “K7″ sedan.

The Hyundai Genesis sedan and coupe models are both very different in approach. Someday its possible we could see the Genesis Coupe become more of a luxury-focused Gran Turismo product if a sporty Kia model gets added into the mix.

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2. Rhys Millen Plops Tau V-8 Into Genesis Coupe
3. Hyundai Adding Turbocharged Veloster, Refreshed Genesis Coupe

As 2011 auto show fever has allowed the temperature to warm on the automobile industry climate on North America and Europe continent, the Asian continent will next play host to the several major car exhibits in Seoul, South Korea and later in Shanghai, China. A region in desperate need for some innocent, momentary diversion from the Earthquake and Tsunami destruction in Japanese, the look at a more optimistic road ahead is provided through the auto show. With new and concept vehicles ready for presentation at the 2011 Seoul Auto Show, Kia Motors is utilizing their home market to debut a new design concept called the Naimo.

Measuring 153.15 inches in total length, the Kia Naimo Concept treads closely to a design previous unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Like the Kia KV7 concept, the Kia Naimo is an exercise in interior space optimization within a compact car form. Featuring a bug-eyed front-end appearance, the absence of grille openings denotes the fact the Kia Naimo utilizes a full electric powertrain. LED lighting is integrated throughout the Naimo exterior formulated into a series of small dots along the front, lower fascia. Blending almost seamlessly into the body paneling of the Kia Naimo, LEDs also shape the lighting found on the 3-piece opening rear tailgate. Topped by a wrap around windshield and a multi-window roof, optimal visibility and natural lighting is presented for the occupants of the Naimo.

Decked out in seats similar in colour and design furnishing the KV7 concept cabin, the Kia Naimo’s four-passenger seating embodies a space-saving quality. Along with the seats, interior design minimizes control panel for multimedia access into a small center console. The driver of the Kia Naimo looks forward high dashboard-mounted transparent gauges providing a heads-up display effect without the need of a projector.

An all-electric concept car, the Kia Naimo is said to be one of the prototypes joining a multitude of evaluation vehicles to be tested by the auto company. Bringing the Naimo to live, an 80-kilowatt permanent magnet synchronous electric motor musters the Kia Naimo up to speeds of 93 miles per hour. Offering a maximum range of 124 miles on a single charge, the twin-pack lithium ion batteries can be quick charged to 80 percent capacity in only 25 minutes. A normal cycle full charge of the Kia Naimo is said to take a more patient 5 ½ hours.

It almost goes without mentioning, Kia Motors is enjoying a wild ride to automotive notoriety lately. In the United States, the beginning for 2011 has been a period of enormous sales growth. In the first three months of the year, total Kia Motors sales has ballooned to 104,774 vehicles representing an almost 27% rise over 2010 auto sales for the South Korean auto brand. The radically redesigned Kia Sportage dominates the sales success of 2011 by almost quadrupling the 2010 model year predecessor. With the latest concept vehicles situated on the crossover utility theme, Kia Motors’ continuing experimentation in the vehicle category is certain to lead to more production gems.

Information and photo source: Kia Media via Newspress UK

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Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile.

Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles.

Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under $39,000 Canadian.

Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely no offense against the women, my attention is only planted on the automobiles. Using star power, Kia Motors called in sports athletes from the professional soccer team Toronto Football Club to show off a special edition Sportage. For all the people able to present the vehicles during the press conferences, I keep in mind the numerous individuals behind the scenes of the auto companies as well as the Canadian International Auto Show.

Through a stop at the Honda exhibit, the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe concept in between a tuned Honda Insight and Accord decked out in a white/carbon black paint scheme. Seeing the Civic concept up-close, there is no doubt this vehicle is be the dead-ringer for the upcoming production car. The only thing needed for the final 2012 Civic will be an interior.

Not seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan came to Toronto presenting Canadian debuts of the 2011 Quest minivan and the Infiniti M35h. An enthusiastic Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design America, eagerly presented the Ellure concept. Viewed as a designing precursor to a future Altima or Maxima, Albaisa brings much of the passionate new styling direction that was exhibited on his other creation, the Nissan Juke. Along with the NV commercial van, the new Nissan GT-R and the Nismo 370Z coupe, another live act stole the press conference. Influenced by a new advertising campaign around the all-electric Nissan Leaf featuring a polar bear, a bear-suited individual quietly wondered out bringing a welcomed comic relief to the morning surrounding the car business.

The second-to-last exhibit of the media day morning was General Motors. President of GM Canada Kevin Williams introduced Canadian press members to the Buick Verano as the company’s new theme was discretely unveiled. The trucks and large sport utility vehicles General Motors once depended upon as profit centers were moved literally pushed to the corner. It’s obvious that bets are being hedged on the new Chevrolet Cruze . At least 9 Chevrolet Cruze sedans of varying colours and configurations were scattered across the expanded GM exhibit (including a highly-modified tuner and a touring car version). The Canadian International Auto Show also saw GM feature the Buick Regal eAssist as well as the ‘not-for-the-United States’ Chevrolet Orlando.

Grant the fact the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are strong brand symbols, it is a relief those vehicles were prominent in Toronto. In fact, on special display for 2011 was an separate exhibit called Icons: Camaro and Firebird. Dedicated to an smaller floor of the convention center were special edition, Indianapolis 500 pace cars and vehicles relating to show business highlighting the best of almost 45 years of the General Motors pony car. A Pontiac Firebird paying tribute to the Knight Industries Two Thousand (affectionately known as K.I.T.T.) from the 1980s TV crime-fighting show Knight Rider and both Camaros representing the vehicle modes for the 2007 Transformers movie character Bumblebee are some stars of the special display. A more modern superstar, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 surprised with its appearance within the Icons: Camaro and Firebird section. Less than a week prior to its debut in Chicago by General Motors, a blue coupe version shown is actually linked to aftermarket company SLP.  Only an hour down the road, the Oshawa, Ontario plant will produce the factory version models of the Camaro ZL1 in very limited quantities.

Three and a half hours of press conferences and vehicle unveils concluded with the Kia Motors exhibit. Covering only a small space of the convention center, Kia’s new Optima and Optima Hybrid supplied a big sense of growth for the South Korea-based auto company. Providing a guide to the brand’s styling direction, the concept Kia Ray was included within the showcase.

For part 2 of this journey, I’ll steer you through an afternoon with Canadian premieres or up-close looks at Mercedes-Benz, Audi and the Concorso Exotica.

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Another Super Bowl come and gone, but this time it’s gobs of Steelers fans crying in the corner. Too bad so sad, suckers!

Regardless of who we were rooting for, many of us look forward to seeing the best series of commercials on TV for any time of the year. Luckily for us, the automotive industry dominates the Super Bowl every year, and this year was no exception. Take a look below for 2011′s Automotive Super Bowl commercials, ranked loosely in order of most popular, accordingly to Hulu.com users.

Note: There are a lot of freaking videos in this article, so give it some time to load. Enjoy:

Volkswagen: The Force

Bridgestone: Carma

Volkswagen: Black Beetle

Audi: Release the Hounds

Chrysler: Imported From Detroit

Bridgestone: Reply All

Chevrolet: Silverado TVC Tommy

Cars.com: Go First

CarMax: Kid in a Candy Store

Chevrolet: T3 Camaro Al’s

CarMax: Gas Station

Kia: One Epic Ride

Hyundai: Anachronistic City

Cars.com: Reviews Are In

Mercedes-Benz: Welcome

Chevrolet: Volt Discovery

Chevrolet: Cruze Eco Misunderstanding

BMW: Diesel

BMW: X3

Chevrolet: GMME

Chevrolet: Cruze Status

Mini Countryman: Cram It in the Boot

Cadillac: The New Standard of the World

Hyundai: Deprogramming

Hyundai: Hypnotize

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Kia’s presence at the auto show in Detroit was limited to the KV7 minivan concept, but they are just taking a breather after nearly their entire lineup has been redesigned in a short period of time. In close sync with platform mates at Hyundai, new models like the Soul, Forte compact, Sorento crossover and mid-size Optima sedan have been released.

Kia’s current subcompact offering is the aging Rio, which lacks the necessary style and technology to compete in the face of fresh competition. The subcompact market in the United States is set to be more diverse than ever before, with entries like the European-sourced Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 as well as the new Sonic from Chevrolet. In fact we think it could be a good idea for Kia to start all over with a new nameplate for the Rio, much like Chevrolet did with the Aveo nameplate. It appears the brand will be sticking with it however.

To give us a taste of what to expect from the next-generation car, Kia has released some renderings that illustrate the car’s new design. The production Rio is set to make its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Initial impressions from these renderings look good, especially around back. We’ll have to see actual photos to know more. What is clear though is that the new cars from Kia have of a focus on sporty design compared to Hyundai, and we think that positioning serves the company well.

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With only days remaining in 2010, Kia Motors has aligned themselves for the best year in their company’s 66-year history. Enjoying a 16.8 percent sales increase in the North American market for 2010 on the end of November, Kia Motors has been raking in praise for their vast improvement in creating desirable vehicles.

Among the areas the South Korean auto company is being immediately congratulated is advancement in aesthetics. While more-inspired styling is just recently showing up on production cars, concept cars through the past few years were giving promises Kia Motors has now fulfilled. Prominently featured in the Kia Soul compact utility vehicle which started life as a 2006 concept car at the Detroit International Auto Show, design influence from show vehicles have created the stunning new Optima sedan and the Sorento. For the 2011 edition of the International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia Motors is showing off their a new spin on an urban utility as the KV7 Concept will be shown off in what the company calls a “convention-challenging concept vehicle”.

A balance between a mature transportation and a lifestyle-oriented utility, Kia Motors’ 2011 year concept is clearly another worthwhile voyage into fun-loving crossover territory. Featuring a exterior shell maintaining straight angles for a box-like appearance, the KV7 Concept optimizes interior space. The narrow strand of LED tail lighting departs widely from the twin, horizontal rear light housings Kia has shown on their current crossover vehicles. With forward passenger door opening conventionally, rear passenger entrance is gained through upward swinging gull-wing doors.

Seen with 4-passenger seating, the Kia KV7 Concept most notable interior feature is pivoting seats. While captivating us with this take on cabin flexibility, the Kia KV7 Concept’s seating system is unlikely to find production in its present form. Offering somewhat unusual individual seating, observers will note the lack of spots to place seat belt harnesses provided inside of the KV7 Concept in present form. Let’s simply admire the KV7 Concept’s den-style cabin at a fancy take on automotive interior design.

Supplied with limited information on the Kia KV7 Concept prior to the Detroit auto show, the design study vehicle exists at present time without understanding for what possible powertrain will be employed.

Information and photo Source: Kia Motors via Newspress UK

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Lately, it has become apparent that eBay wants to be known more than an auction site allowing the exchange of attic treasures, celebrity memorabilia and pieces of toast wearing images resembling religious figures.

Since 1999, eBay Motors has allowed individuals as well as participating dealerships to advertise and sold vehicles through their website. Practically monopolizing the peer-to-peer electronic auction setting, eBay’s general trustworthy business model is a feature the on-line marketplace has been wanting to sell their reputation to relationships with corporate America. In the latest endeavour, Kia Motors America is persuaded to list their vehicles to the attention of eBay buyers.

Signing up over 345 of their American dealerships to the program (roughly 50% of the company’s sales network), Kia Motors have added a sizable inventory to a dedicated website. Using kia.ebay.com, potential buyers are led to the nearest dealership and allowed to view various late models including 2011 year products. Viewing a wide range of vehicle vitals from equipment features to warranty, a consumer is able to push the ‘Best Offer’ button to begin the vehicle purchase. While the encouragement is to buy a Kia product locally, buyers can opt to negotiate with any dealer in the eBay-based network. With shipping and acquisition of a new Kia the responsibility of the consumer, the site offers on-line access to travel service Expedia.com and shipping quotes through Gigamoves.

Expressing the company’s enthusiasm for the new on-line program, vice president of sales for Kia Motors America Tom Loveless speaks highly on the deal with eBay Motors. “eBay Motors’ large, multi-dimensional marketplace aligns perfectly with Kia’s rapidly expanding brand and offers consumers a comprehensive and convenient shopping experience for our entire new vehicle lineup,”. On the side of eBay Motors, the on-line commerce sight is also looking forward to the best results of this new agreement. “The Kia Motors partnership is a natural evolution of our new vehicle strategy, showcasing the versatility of eBay Motors as a marketplace for all things automotive, including new and used vehicles, parts, accessories and services,” said Nicolas Franchet, eBay Motors’ senior director of U.S. vehicles.

With Kia products being offered through eBay, this is not the first automaker lured to presence of eBay. Last year, General Motors partnered with the on-line marketplace during the time the United States government fueled a fury of new car buying through an incentive known popularly as the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program. Available only for the state of California, GM attracted over 4,000 new car buyers in less than 3 weeks through the on-line reach-out. The program’s success provoked GM and eBay to extend their through to the September 30th of 2009 but ended promptly on that date.

Featuring vehicles like the new 2011 Sportage and Sorento, Kia Motors America hopes the new sales environment will continues to flourish the automaker’s existence in the United States. According to a recent Businessweek article, Kia’s new auto sales for the first 10 months of this year is a 15 percent improvement over the previous year. The expansion into eBay Motors has the possibility to aid Americans in discovering Kia.

Information source: Kia Motors America, Businessweek
Photo source: Kia Motors America

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Kiplinger’s Personal Finance just named the Kia Soul as the “Best New Car for Your Teen.” Why? Mainly its “cool factor.” And who knows cool better than a personal finance magazine?

Is the Kia Soul cool? Yeah, I’ll give it that. It’s got that…unique styling. Some would call it funky, some would say fugly, but it’s unique nonetheless. The sound-sensitive neons surrounding the speakers…that’s a cool touch. The interior trim, depending on the trim level, can feature anything from sporty red and black cloth, to glowing “soul” logos all over the place. Plenty of customization options and special editions verify it’s meant for the youngsters, those who Scion has been marketing to for a few years now.

We drove two Kia Souls last year, and frankly we weren’t too impressed. The “sport” trim we had was equipped with a manual tranny, and while I normally (very much) prefer a manual over automatic, not so much in this case. The shifter was sloppy, and it was difficult to shift into 3rd. Might have just been that transmission. The KIa Soul Plus we got after that was an automatic and much more pleasant. Both however, lacked any sort of power and oomph. Hopefully they’ll at least offer an optional turbo soon.

Of course, that may all play into the “best for your teen” part of it – you don’t want your newly-licensed 16-year-old turboing his way into a lamp post. And a few other related awards the Kia Soul has won – “Top Vehicle Pick for Dog Owners,” “Best Family Cars for 2010,” “2010 Top Cars for Families,” “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000,” “Top Safety Pick,” and finally, “Top 10 Back-to-School Cars.” See a pattern there?

Something else that adds to the cool factor? It’s cheap (starting at under $15,000,) keeps a high resale value, and has a low cost of insurance (probably another reason it’s underpowered.) Alright then, I’ll admit it’s a pretty good pick if you’re buying a car for your teenager.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Kia Soul is teh l33t hawtness
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The Internet Pros & The Average Joes have spoken and they largely agree on their choice of finalists for the 2011 Internet Car & Truck of the Year awards that will be presented in December.

Consumers have chosen from American cars over imports, all of the finalists selected by voters were from the Detroit Big Three: Chrysler, Ford and GM. The Internet Pros prefer American sheet metal as well, in four of the six categories with Korean nameplates filling out the remaining spots.

Now it’ s up to you, the consumer, you are invited to go to InternetCarandTruckoftheYear.com and vote for your choice for the Consumer Internet Car of the Year and Consumer Internet Truck of the Year.

Over the past few months, semi-finalists were voted in each category, the list has been narrowed down to three finalists for each award. The finalists for the Internet Car of the Year and Internet Truck of the Year finalists, as determined by a panel of Internet automotive writers, have also been determined.

The Internet automotive writers, a jury of 15, from some of the leading automotive web sites, have selected as their finalists for the first-ever Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards:

Car

• Ford Fiesta
• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
• Hyundai Sonata

Truck

• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Ford Super Duty
• Kia Sportage

Consumers, voting for the first time on the Internet at a website not dominated by OEM manufacturing, have voted for power:

Car

• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
• Ford Mustang GT
• Ford Fiesta

Truck

• Ford Super Duty
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Dodge Ram 2500

Internet Pros and Average Joes have divergent opinions about what qualifies for Internet Car of the Year.

Voting by the jury of Internet automotive writers reflects respect for technology, innovation, and, of course, power while the consumers, or Average Joes, want power, power and more power. Voting for the Truck finalists (which includes pickups, SUVs and crossovers) was fairly close with the writers opting for the Kia Sportage over the consumers’ choice of the Ram 2500. The truck category had the closest voting.

Consumer votes will be taken until 5 p.m., EST, Friday, Nov. 12. The winners will be announced and presented in early December.

From now until Nov. 13, the Internet Automotive Writers will be reviewing the six finalists for their final votes. Each juror will cast one vote in each category. The complete list of jurors (including myself) is available at the Internet Car and Truck of the Year website.

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Looks like they might be trying to go for the Hello Kitty-clad Japanese youth with this one. Regardless, Kia just released these images of their latest concept car – the Kia POP. The POP Concept is a 3 meter long minicar, sits three, and it’s powered by an electric motor. No surprise here, given the trend toward smaller and smaller cars nowadays. Now it’s just a matter of differentiating yourself from all the other “me toos” in the segment. I suppose that incredibly weird design helps it stand out (which Kia calls “innovative design chic.”) OK then.

One interesting thing to not about the car, however, is the odd name. Not just the fact that “POP” is a weird name for a car, but the fact that Kia is calling it the “POP” – notice the italicized “O”. That’s not a weird typo, that italic “O” is all over the press release.

Kia says they’ll be unveiling the POP Concept at the Paris Motor Show on September 30th. If people like it, looks for a much less interesting version to be on the streets, assuming this whole “microcar” thing catches on.

Check out the renderings below:

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