Kia proudly biulds its Sorrento in West Point, Georgia.

West Point, Ga., Oct. 22, 2013 – Together with local suppliers, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 jobs in West Point and surrounding areas. Today, another KMMG supplier added to the localization of jobs when Hyundai Dymos, who will be supplying seats to KMMG, held a groundbreaking ceremony at its 31-acre site on Kia Parkway in West Point.

West Point Georgia

Hyundai Dymos will employ an estimated 350 team members when production begins in 2014 and is the latest of several expansions and groundbreakings among KMMG suppliers since the plant began production less than four years ago.

“Kia’s success in the U.S. market has led to tremendous growth at the plant and within our local suppliers,” said Byung Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO for Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “We continue to be inspired by the hard work and commitment to excellence shown by our KMMG team members and the team members of our suppliers in this region.”

Hiring is expected to begin at Hyundai Dymos in January.

About KMMG

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 360,000 units, KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. KMMG is home to the Sorento CUV and the Optima mid-size sedan, two of the brand’s top selling models in the U.S.

A Word from Byung Mo Ahn

Byung Mo Ahn

I want to take the time to thank you for visiting this site and to tell you a few things about Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) and the Kia brand in the United States.

We are extremely proud to call KMMG the home for the Kia Sorento and Kia Optima in the U.S. Both vehicles continue to lead the way for the Kia brand.

It is a wonderful time to be associated with this brand and the proof is in our record-breaking sales numbers and the many accolades our products continue to receive. We are truly building a world class product here at KMMG.

The dedication our team members have for building a top quality vehicle at an affordable price is second to none. We are maximizing our momentum with much more to come from the Kia brand and this facility in the months and years ahead.

We appreciate the time you have spent with us today and want to remind you to visit www.Kia.com or one of our more than 765 dealerships in the U.S. for more information on our products.

Sincerely,

Byung Mo Ahn,
Group President and CEO
Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia

Compiled By:
Josh Martin
Sources:kmmgusa.com

 

Welcome to Sustainable sports cars – video blog

Welcome to “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom”

In March 2007, Mazda announced the “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” plan, detailing the company’s long-term vision for technology development. This vision commits us to make “cars that always excite, look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive them again,” and to help achieve “an exciting, sustainable future for cars, people and the Earth”. Based on this plan, in June 2008, we announced that by 2015 we intend to make a 30 percent improvement on the 2008 average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold worldwide.

Building Block – Strategy – Contributing as it expands

In recent years, new electric devices have been introduced that have led to the development of automobiles such as hybrids and electric vehicles. We have entered an era in which performance delivered by the traditional technologies such as engine, transmission, body, chassis and other vehicle parts is being augmented through their combination with electrical components. Nevertheless, it is forecast that internal combustion engines will still account for a high percentage of automobile powertrains even as far ahead as 2020.

Anticipated expansion in adoption of environmental technologies (up to 2020)

Consequently, Mazda is prioritizing improvements of the base technologies such as improvement in thermal efficiency of an engine and weight reduction for the vehicle body while adopting a Building Block Strategy of gradually introducing electric devices such as brake energy regeneration system, hybrid and other systems. This approach aims to effectively reduce total CO² emissions with cars that offer a winning combination of driving pleasure and excellent environmental and safety performance to all our customers, without relying heavily on vehicles that are strictly dedicated to meeting environmental needs.

Building Block Strategy

Mazda Taiki Concept

Ever seen a car styled like a celestial maiden’s robes? Mazda says that’s the design inspiration for the Mazda Taiki, a rear-wheel-drive sports-car concept that will debut at the Tokyo auto show in October.

Like the Nagare, Ryuga, and Hakaze concepts before it, the Taiki has a flowing, aerodynamic form that follows Mazda’s new “flow” styling concept.

In Japanese, taiki means atmosphere, a fitting name for the light, aerodynamic body. The concept is part of the “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” theme Mazda plans to emphasize in Tokyo.

The skirted rear wheels are outset from the body, and an all-glass canopy wraps around the driver and passenger. The stretched two-seater’s interior continues the flowing design theme.

Power for the Taiki will come from a new version of the Renesis rotary engine used in the RX-8 sports car. Mazda engineers say they have bumped displacement up to 1.6 liters (from 1.3 liters) and used direct-injection to increase torque output across the power band. This should allow them to create an even sportier car that is a little easier on the environment.

View Car and Drivers Photo Gallery Here

Compiled By:
Josh Martin

Sources:

Mazda USA

Car and Driver Magazine

 

Scores of 1940s-1950s Cars Found New In A Closed Dealership – Video/Audio Blog

A Cacophony of Classic Cars Heads To Auction

Lambrecht Chevrolet of Pierce, Neb., was like many Midwestern, small-town dealers — owned and operated by a family, with minimal overhead and little need for advertising since most customers were neighbors. Ray and Mildred Lambrecht ran the dealership with just one employee for 50 years before closing up, and later this year the Lambrechts will sell off a trove of 500-odd vehicles they’ve held onto over the decades — including roughly 50 with less than 10 miles on their odometers. It’s less a car sale than a time capsule auction.

While many of the cars in the Lambrecht collection were customer trade-ins that were left outside to rot, the Lambrechts would occasionally take something they couldn’t sell and just put it in storage. City folk might find it unthinkable to leave so many vehicles lying around for so many years, but there’s always more space in rural Nebraska, and the annual costs fall to zero quickly. I wouldn’t call it hoarding, but I know many people who gather old metal like this do form an attachment to their kingdom of rust; every ride has a story, even when there’s weeds growing around it. Jeannie Lambrecht Stillwell, the Lambrecht’s daughter, says the decision to sell wasn’t an easy one for her parents, and that the cars “comprise a lifetime of hard work, tears, and joy.”

Fortunately for collectors, the Lambrechts preservation-through-neglect has created the type of barn finds that many search years to discover. Among the dozen low-miles pickups sits a 1956 Chevrolet Cameo pickup with an odometer reading of just over one mile, and a 1964 Chevy Impala with six miles that still has its original window sticker and the plastic sheeting that covered its red leather seats. Although even ardent Corvette fans look askance at the late ’70s models, the ’78 version here with five miles has an appeal that’s grown over time.

The rest of the 500-car list reads like an inventory of popular models from the ’50s and ’60s — Bel Airs, Corvairs and even a couple of Vegas — which the VanDerBrink Auction company is still documenting ahead of the sale in Pierce on Sept. 28-29, along with dozens of pieces of memorabilia, hubcaps and even a Corvette pedal car. You can see the auctioneer take a walk though the Lambrechts’ garage below:

Car collectors dream about finding a forgotten “new” classic car, discovered in a barn  or warehouse somewhere, covered in dust. This is that dream, only 500 times better….

A small-town Midwestern dealership in Pierce, Nebraska sold Chevrolets to local families  and first-time buyers for 50 years until it’s husband and wife team finally closed their doors seventeen years ago. Since then, a staggering inventory of 500 surviving cars, new & used, have been stored away, undriven for decades. Some 50 cars “brand new” Chevrolets from the 1950s and 60s have less than 10 miles on the odometer.

<<Read More>>

Compiled By: Josh Martin

 

American “Yank Tanks” Invade England – Video Blog

“The American Automobile Club International is one of many Yank Tank enthusiast organizations in England. I was introduced to this outfit by my cousin Nigel. He’s a born and bred Brit, and along with several of his local pals, are committed to cars that were Born in the USA. The AAC-I was having a big gig at a large regional park a few hours out of London, and I went along (in his ’98 Seville STS) to see how the folks from over there enjoy the cars from over here. At first glance, it wasn’t so different from your average summer weekend mid-western show-n-shine: 500 or so cars, folks camping, lots of walking and talking with a beer in one’s hand, booths, Elvis on the PA. Yet of course the accents were all different. And a large number many of the rides were right hand drivers.”
~ Matt Stone

Jonathan Player for The New York Times

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By: David Shaftel

Among the racecars present last spring were some hallmarks of Americana, including a ’71 Chevrolet Camaro called the Bootlegger and a ’57 Bel Air with “Honky Tonkin’ ” lettered on its doors. A Show ’n’ Shine event featured dozens more Detroit products, restored to original condition and parked amid tents and campers on the grassy grounds of a former Royal Air Force base in Warwickshire.

Even in this setting, which emphatically favored speed over style, Norman Dawood’s 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Club Coupe drew a crowd of admirers.

“I have other classic cars,” said Mr. Dawood, who owns such quintessentially British automobiles as a 1966 Aston Martin DB6 and a 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III. “But no other car gets anything like the looks that this one gets.”

When Mr. Dawood, a Londoner who runs a translating and subtitling business, saw the black fastback on eBay, listed by a seller in New Jersey, he bought it without hesitation. With characteristic understatement, Mr. Dawood admitted that the car was “a bit of an impulse purchase.”

Jonathan Player for The New York Times

Like many fans of the big American cars that British enthusiasts call Yank Tanks, Mr. Dawood was particularly drawn to Cadillacs from 1949, which was the second model year to feature the auto industry’s pioneering foray into tailfins. Discreet compared with the towering appendages that arrived a decade later, the fins had been inspired by a clandestine look at the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a fighter plane with twin tails, given to General Motors’ designers working on the ’48 models.

It was the ’49s, however, that were first to be fitted with a new 331-cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8, which became a standard-bearer for G.M. The engine’s considerable power can still be felt on the highway, where Mr. Dawood’s car easily keeps up with the flow of modern traffic.

Mr. Dawood’s Club Coupe, also known as a Sedanette, lacks power steering but has several options, including a Hydra-Matic transmission — which added $174 to the 1949 sticker price of $2,966 — as well as power windows and seats. Befitting a Cadillac, it is fitted with the modern conveniences of its day, including a cigar lighter, multiple ashtrays and enough headroom for a driver to wear his fedora.

It is impractical to keep a behemoth ’49 Cadillac in London, where compact cars ply narrow roads, so Mr. Dawood stores it here, about 100 miles to the northwest. That it was a sunny day, so uncharacteristic of a British spring, when he drove it to the Yanks Weekend, was fortunate, as the driver’s window was stuck open, its power lift mechanism having given out.

Jonathan Player for The New York Times

The window malfunction is emblematic of a series of small problems, some potentially incapacitating, that plague Mr. Dawood’s Cadillac, and indeed many of the American classics increasingly bought on the Internet by British collectors.

“The American car scene in the U.K. is just growing and growing because of the Internet,” said John Pryor, president of the National Association of Street Clubs, a co-sponsor of Yanks Weekend.

“More people are buying classic American cars now because they can fix them more easily, and we’re now seeing dedicated shops opening up here,” said Mr. Pryor, who recently traded in his 1959 Vauxhall Victor for a ’56 Chevy.

While the Cadillac was en route from the United States, Mr. Dawood found a copy of a British magazine, Classic American.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said. “On the cover was a car identical to the one I’d just bought, belonging to some Scottish earl. The article was about a guy who specialized in restoring American cars, and I thought, ‘This is brilliant. How lucky I am to find someone who already knows all about this exact one?’ ”

Read More
View A Slide Show of “Yank Tanks”

Compiled By: Josh Martin
Sources:
Motor Trend Magazine
Wikipedia
New York Times

 

All About The 2013 Mazda CX-5

THE 2014 CX-5. CAREFULLY ENGINEERED TO ELIMINATE COMPROMISE.

Introducing a feat of engineering previously thought to be impossible: the crossover without compromise. Not only does the Mazda CX-5 offer confident driving, versatility, all-weather capability, spaciousness and advanced features, but it does so with the best Highway MPG of any SUV in America—including hybrids. To make this possible we developed an engineering philosophy called SKYACTIV^® TECHNOLOGY, including a new 2.5L SKYACTIV^®-G gasoline engine, which reimagines every component to work together in unprecedented harmony. Brochures & Downloads

Source: Mazda USA
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The 2013 CX-5 isn’t the first compact crossover SUV from Mazda, but it might as well be the best. With this all-new, athletically minded and generously equipped compact SUV, Mazda gets the recipe right.

Starting with an all-new unibody, Mazda’s engineers set out to combine a relatively roomy interior, sharp driving dynamics and a lightweight overall package. The 2013 Mazda CX-5 will be initially offered with one fuel-efficient engine, a sophisticated 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder making 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, putting the CX-5 at the top of its class for efficiency.

Choosing a vehicle in the compact SUV segment can sometimes mean settling for less when it comes to modern amenities. Not so with the CX-5. Even on the base trim, an impressive list of standard equipment will keep budget-minded consumers happy. Moving up the range will naturally net you a more comprehensive roster of equipment, with the top-of-the-line Grand Touring equipped essentially like a luxury model.

In terms of storage and cargo capability, the CX-5 is on par with its competitors. The base model CX-5 Sport has 60/40-split-folding rear seats, but for those who enjoy four-up skiing and snowboarding, the Touring and Grand Touring models feature a special 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat to accommodate long objects in the cargo area. Maximum cargo capacity is class-leading.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is conventional in concept yet still offers engaging styling and driving dynamics, class-leading fuel efficiency and modern amenities.

Source: Edmunds

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The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is an exceptional SUV

Unlike the Mazda Tribute, the CX-5 compact SUV that takes its place has no Ford roots. It comes with front- or all-wheel drive and a high-tech four-cylinder engine. An automatic transmission is optional on the CX-5’s base Sport trim level and standard with the higher Touring and Grand Touring trims. The automatic is also required with all-wheel drive. At a press preview ahead of the car’s early 2012 launch, I drove front-drive prototypes with both transmissions and couldn’t be more satisfied.

Source: Cars.com

Compiled By: Josh Martin

 

All About The 2013 Mazda CX-9

CX-9

The 2013 CX-9 spoils driver and passengers alike—no compromise necessary. With a 273-hp 3.7L V6 engine and plenty of refined features, it packs more excitement than should be allowed of 7-passenger vehicles.

Source: Mazda USA

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We expect a lot from large SUVs nowadays. Besides the obligatory amount of passenger and cargo space, we also have become accustomed to a decent amount of luxury and features aplenty. What we don’t expect from these behemoths is decent cornering prowess, but that’s exactly what you’ll get with the 2013 Mazda CX-9.

Despite everything that physics tells us, the big CX-9 can indeed be enjoyable to drive around corners. Even better, the Mazda accomplishes this task without sacrificing ride quality. Of course, schlepping the kids to soccer practice and daily commuting are more typical tasks for a large crossover, and here the CX-9 still excels, with a spacious, adult-sized third row of seats and sharp new styling.

As highly as we regard the 2013 Mazda CX-9, it somehow gets overlooked for more popular alternatives.

Source: Edmunds

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The Mazda CX-9 has struggled to keep its head above water in a sea of  large crossovers, and even though it’s the roomiest, this stylish and fun-to-drive SUV deserves a second look in its updated 2013 form.

The CX-9 again comes in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Front- and all-wheel drive are available across the board. Changes for 2013 are cosmetic and take the CX-9’s styling from pleasant to energetic: It borrows a version of the new compact CX-5’s large grille, angular headlights and curvy fog lights. Inside, new standard features include a 5.8-inch touch-screen, a USB port and an upgraded version of the Bluetooth phone and audio streaming system.

Fun to Drive

The words “agile” and “sporty” aren’t usually tip-of-the-tongue when describing a large crossover — unless it’s the CX-9. One of its greatest strengths is that it drives like a much smaller, sportier vehicle. Light and precise steering, ample power, a responsive transmission and agile handling make it engaging to drive — even if it’s just to the grocery store.

The V-6 offers plenty of power, and the 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter engine feels very smooth at idle, it’s spirited from a stop and delivers even, linear power that’s competent on the highway. Prompt downshifts from the alert six-speed automatic transmission mean passing is no problem. The CX-9’s gas mileage doesn’t stand out, however. Two-wheel-drive versions share an EPA rating of 17/24 mpg city/highway with the Explorer and Traverse. The Pilot squeaks out an additional 1 mpg in both city and highway driving.

The ride is on the firm side but not overly harsh, complementing its overall sporty nature. I went from a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse test vehicle to the CX-9, and found in the Mazda a nimbler, more composed vehicle — the ride was more compliant, the corners felt crisper and body lean was less noticeable.

At 200.2 inches long, it’s one of the larger vehicles in its class but drives smaller, thanks in part to having one of the tightest turning circles in the bunch. That really made a difference when maneuvering into city parking spaces and winding through parking structures.

Source: Cars.com

Compiled By: Josh Martin
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All About The 2013 Mazda 3

THE 2013 MAZDA3: FAR-REACHING FUN:

Quick off the line and aggressive in the curves, in the world of compact cars the Mazda3 is the true driver’s bread and butter. And with up to an EPA-estimated 40 MPG Highway, the driving excitement goes on and on Brochures & Downloads

Source: MazdaUSA

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Mazda has a tradition of building zippy, entertaining cars, something that’s evident in the Mazda 3, which always has been known for its sharp handling and engaging nature. Of course, the Mazda 3 still provides suitable levels of economy and practicality, too. That’s because even the base Mazda 3 comes with a refined engine and a sophisticated suspension and interior, while higher trims offer more power and plenty of useful convenience and luxury-oriented features.

There have now been two generations of the Mazda 3. The newer model is more stylish and refined, but either way we highly recommend the Mazda 3, whether shopping new or used.

Current Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is available in two body styles: a sedan or a four-door hatchback. The sedan is offered in six trim levels — i SV, i Sport, i Touring, s Touring, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. The hatchback comes only in the four upper trims. No matter which Mazda 3 you buy, expect an impressive level of convenience and safety-related equipment for the money. The base trim counts a height-adjustable driver seat and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls among its standard features, while the Grand Touring versions provide a luxury sport vibe with leather seating, heated front seats and a navigation system.

For power, the 3i SV comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional. The 3i Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims get a more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder (Skyactiv-G) that’s also more powerful with 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. The sprightlier Mazda 3s trims are powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 good for 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard here, with a five-speed automatic optional.

While most economy cars have little in the manner of interior aesthetics, the cabin in the Mazda 3 shows impressive attention to detail. The materials used are the nicest found in this class and there are lots of standard features, so your passengers are bound to think you paid more than you actually did. Even taller folks will be comfortable up front, and the driver will appreciate the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. As expected, the hatchback offers more cargo capacity than the sedan’s trunk. And should you need more, both body styles provide a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The current Mazda 3’s refined road manners will come as a surprise to most economy car shoppers. Thanks to its performance-oriented chassis tuning, the 3 is blessed with athletic handling and — with the s trim’s superior tires — a healthy amount of grip on twisty blacktop. Furthermore, its steering is quick and reasonably communicative. In the real world, this translates into a greater sense of driver confidence. The 3’s highway ride is smooth enough to please most commuters, although drivers who prefer softly sprung compacts like Toyota’s Corolla might think the 3 is too firm.

Altogether, we think the Mazda 3 should be one of the first vehicles you test-drive when shopping for an economy sedan or hatchback. It hits all the right notes and its flaws are few and far between.

Used Mazda 3 Models
The current, second-generation Mazda 3 debuted for the 2010 model year. Compared to the previous-generation car, this 3 has a similar underlying architecture. But improvements were made in terms of interior refinement, ride quality and power. The second-gen Mazda 3 was unchanged for its first couple of years, but then gained minor exterior styling differences and the more fuel-efficient Skyactiv-G powertrain for 2012. Also, the optional navigation system found in 2010-’12 cars was smaller and not as easy to use as the larger touchscreen found in the current car.

The original Mazda 3 was produced from 2004-’09. Much of the current car’s underpinnings were carried over from its predecessor, so both generations will offer similar driving dynamics. The original base 3 featured essentially the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as today, although in its first two years in production, it lacked variable valve timing. The upgraded inline-4 displaced 2.3 liters, and its output was 156 hp. A four-speed automatic was optional with the 2.3-liter for 2004 and ’05, and was replaced by a five-speed auto thereafter. Beginning in 2006, cars sold in California-emissions states were partial-zero-emissions-vehicle certified.

From its introduction, Mazda expanded the number of trim levels from the initial three when the Mazda 3 was launched: i sedan, s sedan and s hatchback. The many convenience and luxury features were available in packages and as stand-alone options. In 2005, Mazda released a SP23 Special Edition as a top-of-the-line trim for both body styles. For ’06, the SP23 was gone and the trim levels expanded to include the Touring and Grand Touring trims. Antilock brakes also became standard on all s models.

For 2007, there was a very minor exterior refresh along with a standard auxiliary audio jack and a rear seat armrest for the 3s. Stability control became optional for the first time, but was available on the Touring and Grand Touring trims only. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags became standard on all s trim levels the following year. In its final year in production, all Mazda 3 models came standard with antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Like the current car, the original Mazda 3 was the top choice of Edmunds in the economy family sedan segment. It also provided a refined driving experience that reminded us of a junior sport sedan rather than an economy car. Both engines offered satisfying power, though the bigger 2.3-liter engine was noticeably peppier.

Source: Edmunds
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The compact five-seat Mazda3 is available as a sedan or four-door hatchback and is available with Mazda’s high-efficiency technologies marketed under the SkyActiv name, including an optional engine rated at up to 40 mpg on the highway. It competes with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta, to name a few.

Source: Cars.com

Compiled By: Josh Martin

 

All About The 2013 Mazda 5

THE 2013 MAZDA5: DESIGNED FOR LIFE UNEXPECTED.

With sporty performance, pure athletic style and a roomy interior, the Mazda5 defies category labels while delivering on versatility. The 6-passenger seating is easily accessible by two sliding rear doors, while the 2.5L DOHC engine delivers impressive power without compromising fuel efficiency. Because calling it a minivan doesn’t mean it has to drive like one.

Source: Mazda USA

Traditional minivans keep getting bigger, and for smaller families that don’t need such vast acreage, the 2013 Mazda 5 splits the difference. Completely redesigned last year, the Mazda 5 remains a mini-minivan for those with discriminating needs. If you seldom ferry more than five passengers, there’s a good chance you’ll simply enjoy the nearly 55 cubic feet of cargo space offered by keeping the third row semi-permanently folded.

The Mazda 5 offers another advantage that can’t be understated: It’s very fun to drive. Some automakers may boast that their minivan handles like a car, but with a sporty suspension and precise steering, the Mazda 5 actually does. This holds true whether you’re taking the road less traveled or just navigating the strip mall parking lot. And its humble size makes the 5 easier to maneuver through tight spaces and slot into compact parking spots.

The 2013 Mazda 5 is for everyone. Larger families will need little more space. There’s something to be said for V6 power, especially in hilly terrain or with a full passenger load. The 5 works best as a niche — very appealing — alternative to mainstream vans.

Source: Edmunds.com

The Mazda5 has been something of a curiosity since it debuted. Its sliding side doors technically make it a minivan, but its driving experience and roominess make it more of a large hatchback.

It’s been updated for 2012 with new styling and a new engine, and it gives minivan buyers a smaller alternative to traditional models. It also gives them something they likely are interested in (nimble handling) while sacrificing nothing.

The 2012 Mazda5 won’t work for every family, but if you don’t need that third row and want minivan practicality, it’s just right for you.

The Mazda5 starts around $20,000, but the as-tested price for our top-level Grand Touring trim was $24,720.

Source: Cars.com

Compiled By: Josh Martin

 

Tia Mowry Behind The Wheel Of The 2014 Kia Sorento – Video Blog

Video Produced By: Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America has teamed up with leading women’s lifestyle brand POPSUGAR, Inc. to deliver a series of online episodes aimed at moms, entitled “POPSUGAR Circle of Moms, Everyday Answers.”

The series of eight episodes features celebrity mom and reality star Tia Mowry.

The shows will feature Tia and a group of mom bloggers trying to accomplish different family tasks whilst getting around in the all-new 2014 Kia Sorento CUV.

As they travel, the ladies talk about the issues facing parents today, whilst offering a number of great solutions.

Popular topics such as health, relationshipd, and meal planning will be discussed on the shows, which will appear every week on POPSUGAR.com.

Tia Mowry will be the one behind the wheel of the 2014 Kia Sorento CUV as she drives to such places a s the grocery store, pilates class, and the houses of other mom’s.
About the 2014 Sorento

The all-new 2014 Sorento was first seen at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The car, which is built at the West Point, GA. plant, is not just a refresh, but is instead built on an entirely new chassis and has a Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) V6 engine under the hood.

The interior also gets a whole new look, as well as a next-generation infotainment system. A new trim level, the SX Limited, has been added, and it comes with a whole host of premium features and amenities.

The revised Kia Sorento is a 7-seat crossover vehicle designed for family use, which is why it contains features such as fold-down third row seating and technological enhancements such as UVO eServices and Kia’s first-ever Blind Spot Detection System

Here is a little more information about Tia:

Tia Dashon Mowry-Hardrict is an American actress, singer, voice actress, and author. She first gained fame for her teen role as Tia Landry on the ABC/WB sitcom Sister, Sister. Wikipedia

Born: July 6, 1978 (age 34), Gelnhausen

Full name: Tia Dashon Mowry-Hardrict

Spouse: Cory Hardrict (m. 2008)

Parents: Timothy Mowry, Darlene Mowry

Siblings: Tamera Mowry, Tahj Mowry, Tavior Mowry

Sources: Kia World.net, IMDB.com

Compiled By: Josh Martin
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Top 4 Tips To Get Automotive FInancing After A Bankruptcy – Video Blog

If you need to buy a car during your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or after your bankruptcy is over, don’t despair. Most likely you will be able to get a car loan. Or, you might be able to pay cash for a very cheap car. Here are some strategies to consider if you need to buy a car during or after your bankruptcy:

1. Stop making car payments, enjoy your ‘free ride’ and then buy something cheap for cash with the money you saved..

As soon as you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you ordinarily get a “free ride” due to bankruptcy’s automatic stay. The automatic stay ordinarily protects your vehicle from repossession for about two and one-half months (that is, until 45 days after the first meeting of creditors in your bankruptcy case). In fact most car lenders will not repossess your car until after the bankruptcy discharge.

If you already received your bankruptcy discharge, you can still quit making payments and have a “free ride.” Most lenders won’t repossess a car until you behind about two months. Save up the money and use it to get yourself a cheap “runner” to drive until you can get into something better.

Some organizations offer very cheap cars for sale, and sometimes private parties so too. For example, both the Salvation Army and Goodwill sell cheap running cars that have been donated.

Tip: If your car is in danger of repossession, remove any valuables and personal effects from the car.

2. Buy a car with financing after bankruptcy.

In Los Angeles where I practice bankruptcy law, my clients are aggressively solicited by new car dealers, offering to finance or lease them a new car. They specifically target people emerging from bankruptcy as sales leads. The debtor can usually get into a new car, or even a late model used car still under warranty, even with bad credit, provided they have decent income. This may be a far better alternative than it would have been to make a bad reaffirmation deal in the bankruptcy. (Learn more about reaffirming a car loan in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.)

Why buy a new car when you really don’t need one? A new car loan can quickly improve your credit if you pay on time, where as the unreaffirmed car loan will not help your credit. It likely will represent a better investment than keeping the old car with upside down financing on it. It’s also likely that the new car will probably be more reliable transportation, and will come with a warranty.

3. Get help from a friend.

Turn in the old car if a friend, loved one, or family member will buy or lease something for you.

4. Rent or borrow a car while waiting for your discharge.

Some companies will rent cheap used cars on a monthly basis. The payment for these monthly rentals can be less than the payments on your existing car loan. After you receive a discharge you can probably purchase and finance a new car if you have steady income.

Source: Car Credit Master
By: Josh Martin
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Mazda MX-5 Development Story – Video Blog

Lightweight sports cars first appeared in the years following the Second World War, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that small, affordable and fun roadsters reached the height of their popularity. By fitting engines from standard sedans into compact and light vehicle bodies, automakers could provide exciting performance and agile handling that was also affordable. The lightweight sports car allowed average Europeans to enjoy exhilarating driving on a daily basis.

The 1970s saw the introduction of much stricter safety and emissions regulations in the US, the world’s largest automobile market. Since most of the lightweight sports cars were open top, they lacked the structural integrity provided by a roof. To meet the regulations, manufacturers instead added large shock absorbing bumpers or extra steel to increase body rigidity, which made the cars much heavier. In order to meet the new emissions regulations, many companies resorted to reducing the engine output. This was a tough period for the lightweight sports car, and as people’s expectations began to diminish, the roadsters disappeared from the market one after another.

In the early 1980s, with the lightweight sports car segment all but extinct, Mazda’s engineers conceived a dream for a modern compact two-seater. One engineer, who would go on to lead the development of the first generation Mazda Miata MX-5, was convinced that Mazda needed a unique product to help it stand out from the other Japanese brands, and passionately appealed to management to build a lightweight roadster.

Eventually, despite significant resistance from some of Mazda’s senior executives, the visionary engineer’s passion convinced the planning department in the R&D Division to take the first step.

Three alternative drive systems

Many different ideas were submitted in the planning phase. Layout proposals included front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD) and even a mid-engine setup. The development team pored over early design sketches, and every aspect was discussed at great length, even as to whether it would be a convertible or a coupe.

Most small sports cars in the 1960s had an engine at the front with rear-wheel drive. By the 1970s, many mass produced vehicles had been switched to front-wheel drive (FWD). Although it went against the traditional concept of a sports car, this layout was much easier to build and provided greater flexibility in terms of engine and drivetrain combinations. The mid-engine layout, in which the engine is positioned near the center of the car and power is transmitted through the rear, shares the same advantages because the FWD engine and drivetrain can easily be carried over.

In order to minimize development and production costs, the best approach would have been to replace the body of a compact FWD car with a new sports car body, or perhaps reposition the engine and drivetrain for a mid-engine layout. Both options would allow the retail price to be kept low, and so provide the best chance for Mazda to bring back the lightweight sports car.

However, the agile handling and a linear driving feel that had made the original lightweight sports cars famous would be almost impossible to achieve without a RWD layout. For Mazda, this meant an entirely new powertrain would have to be developed, which would require a sizeable investment. In the end, despite the added cost, the engineers agreed that they had no choice but to pursue the ideals of a lightweight sports car.

Once the combination of RWD layout and an open-top body had been agreed on, the engineers coined the development concept, “Jinba Ittai” (which means “rider and horse as one”) to express the type of fun-to-drive roadster they intended to build. “Jinba Ittai” continues to symbolize each new generation of MX-5 and ensures that it will always remain true to Mazda’s original dream of a lightweight sports car.

Mazda’s MX-5 roadster is not an imitation of the lightweight sports cars of the 1960s. It is a purely Japanese car that was designed to achieve global appeal. The Japanese phrase “Jinba Ittai” (which means ”rider and horse as one) expresses the essence of Japanese culture that is incorporated in the vehicle.

The development team focused on stripping off everything that was not necessary while maximizing the character of the vehicle. To control unnecessary weight gain, the engineers restrained their desire for greater engine output and more features. While pushing the limits of cost reductions, they were never hesitant to take bold engineering steps and break new ground in the name of “Jinba Ittai.”

Examples of this include the aluminum hood, which lowers the center of gravity and improves steering stability and accuracy. Also, a standard cast iron exhaust pipe was rejected in favor of a stainless steel version in order to achieve an ideal exhaust gas flow. It was clear from the start that this sports car was going to be different.

Demand for improved safety finally drove the original lightweight sports cars of the 1970s to extinction. Achieving the required safety performance while keeping vehicle weight down was just as challenging for the MX-5’s developers. Computer analysis, which had been nonexistent in the 1970s, played a key role in the revival of the lightweight sports car. It is no coincidence that the MX-5 program manager was an expert in vehicle body engineering. By fully utilizing the latest computer analysis technologies, the team managed to build a light and rigid body which met modern safety requirements.

As Japan has a rainy season each year, there are relatively few convertibles on the roads. However, Mazda’s development team chose to remain faithful to the “Jinba Ittai” concept and purposefully picked a manually operated soft top. They also rejected proposals for a 2+2 seat layout in order to concentrate on a pure two-seat roadster. These and other difficult decisions ensured the MX-5 would be as light as possible.

A linear driving feel

The team narrowed down the possible engine choices to a 4-cylinder 16-valve 1.6-liter inline DOHC engine. They decided to stick to natural aspiration, without any turbo or supercharger. The MX-5’s Jinba Ittai-infused fun-to-drive character was realized by neither a surprisingly high output nor advanced engine control technologies.

While keeping mechanical losses and engine resistance as low as possible, the team achieved a smooth engine power curve and linear acceleration up to the rev limit; characteristics that provide an exhilarating experience for the driver.

In order to ensure adequate feedback when changing gears, engineers created a “powerplant frame” to rigidly connect the transmission and differential. It significantly enhanced the performance feel and became an essential technical element in the evolution of the MX-5.

For the suspension system, the development team chose a double wishbone setup for all four wheels, due to its superior dynamic characteristics. Despite the extra complexity this involved, the engineers never thought of compromising in their pursuit of the best possible sports car. The suspension is another reflection of the engineers’ dedication to “Jinba Ittai.”

Captivating design is an essential element of a successful sports car. The design of the MX-5 was initiated at Mazda North America (MANA), a development center located in California. In January 1986, it was decided that the R&D team in Japan would take over, and that summer the design base moved to Hiroshima with an almost-finished clay model.

Even at this stage, there were still doubts that the MX-5 would ever reach production. Some people still questioned the market potential of a lightweight sports car. To test this, a full-scale plastic body prototype was made from one of the design proposals and brought to the US in April 1987. Members of the public with an interest in cars were invited to preview the design. Of the 220 participants, 57 responded that they “would definitely buy it if it hit the market.” With the US being the world’s largest automobile market, this result had a strong influence on the decision makers at Mazda.

Having successfully survived this early crisis, development continued and the design was finalized five months later. Two years after that, in spring 1989, Mazda’s compact roadster went on sale in the US, with sales in Japan commencing in September. Japan had been without an exciting car that could connect directly with the driver’s emotions for a long time, and the MX-5, known in Japan as the Eunos Roadster, surprised many people with its instant success.

The Mazda MX-5 achieved more than a boost to Mazda’s sales figures; it triggered a number of other automakers to produce their own open-top sports cars. As a result, it brought about a 1990s revival of the lightweight sports car that had disappeared at the end of the 1970s. The MX-5 proved that lightweight sports cars can have a universal appeal. This achievement was made possible by the advancement of automotive technologies and the passion of Mazda’s engineers.

The World’s luckiest car

The Mazda MX-5 was born in the hearts of automotive engineers and brought to fruition through their aspirations. Beloved by drivers around the world since its debut, it was certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest production two-seat open top sports car in May 2000 (with 531,890 units produced between April 1989 and the end of October 1999). MX-5 sales continued to increase around the world, and Guinness updated the record when production passed 800,000 units in January 2007.

Even today, the “Jinba Ittai” spirit lives on in the third generation MX-5. The latest version of Mazda’s iconic roadster was born from the belief that “Only a very few sports cars possess the enduring spirit seen in the MX-5.”

It is this passion that makes Mazda’s MX-5 roadster the luckiest car on Earth.

Source: Mazda.com

Compiled By: Josh Martin
You May Also Like Seeing: “A Mazda MX-5 Balanced on a Saw Horse”
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Cinema Studio Illuminates the World with Modern Gesture Technology

Experiencing the 2014 Mazda6 in Lights created by “Cinema Studio”

Mazda6 Light Moves

Cinimod Studio created a memorable interactive lighting installation to mark the launch of the new Mazda 6.  Using innovative software and hardware, the car’s sculptural form was explored and revealed by visitors.  For every hand gesture a new intimate detail was exposed.

Delfina restaurant and bar, in the heart of the popular Bermondsey Street in London’s city centre, became host to this big reveal.  Opening its doors to the public, the essence of Mazda was presented in a way never experienced before.  The clean white gallery space provided a perfect canvas for a beautiful play with light against the car’s contours.  Cinimod Studio allowed the visitor to search the lines and form of the car’s body by designing a motion tracking system that allows individual exploration.

With the use of six moving head narrow beam lights controlled by an array of 3D and thermal cameras, each visitor is able to highlight spots of light on the car, discovering and highlighting details of the surface with small movements of the hand.  Via larger gestures, light sweeps across, illuminating and revealing a larger surface area.  As each visitor explores a different aspect of the car, the underlying philosophy of KODO form language is translated; depicting the feral curves of motion.  It is the ultimate exploration of a car’s reveal.

About Cinimod:

Cinimod Studio is a cross-discipline practice based in London specializing in the fusion of architecture and lighting design. It was started by the architect Dominic Harris, whose passion for interactive art and lighting design has produced built projects now found across the international art and architecture scene.

The ongoing work of Cinimod Studio is both visually stunning and technologically advanced. A dedication to research and development ensures that the studio stays abreast of the latest technologies and fabrication techniques. The studio is currently involved in several projects in both the UK and abroad, and has designed bespoke lighting products that are now in production.

It is a fundamental belief of the studio that we should design the experience first and then use our best technologies and techniques for making it a reality.

Credits

Client: Mazda UK
Creative Agency: Redwood

Design and Production:

Cinimod Studio – Lead Design and Production
Dominic Harris – Director
Claudia White – Producer
Christian Dennis – Production
Joseph Mounsey – Software
Tom Czapka – Lighting

SXS Events:
Rehearsal Production

Dumpling Productions
Film and photography
Dan Froude – photographs

Blog Compiled By: Josh Martin
Blog Source: Cinimod Studio

 

History of in Car Computers – Video Blog

A Breif History of in Car Computers:

Microsoft U.V.O.

Kia UVO is an in-car infotainment system with advanced voice- and touch-activated features. Kia UVO, short for ‘Your Voice,’ provides simple and quick access to vehicle’s multimedia and infotainment systems. Developed by Microsoft and Kia, it is much like Ford Sync and is available on new models of the Kia Sorento and Kia Optima. It is only available with a 4.3″ inch touch screen with reversing camera unlike Ford’s Sync which is available without a touch screen.

Carputer

A carputer is a category of mobile computer designed or modified specifically to be installed and run in automobiles. Originally these were based on industrial personal computer technology, but as smartphones and PDAs have become more powerful, and have included useful technologies like GPS and Bluetooth, they have become the predominant base platform for developing carputers.

Many do-it-your-selfers have built carputers from laptops and small form factor computers like netbooks.

The recent popularity of carputers has caused the creation of more advanced units that use touch screen interfaces, integrate with vehicles via OBD-II link, and offer a variety of other add-ons like rear-view cameras and GPS. It is now possible to find assembled carputers complete with wireless capabilities and built-in microphones for sale on the internet.

Police cars often have carputers, known as Mobile data terminals.

AutoPC

The AutoPC is a brand of carputer jointly developed by Clarion and Microsoft.

The first (and only) product was sold by Clarion as an aftermarket product. This product utilized a 60 MHz Hitachi‘s SH3 processor running Windows CE. The device had a 256×64 8 color LCD screen capable of displaying information from the navigation program as well as voice recognition and speech capabilities. It also included contacts and calendar applications. The standard version of the AutoPC (sometimes called Auto PC) also included a simple “directions” application which used an add-on GPS module to get the user to their destination. Clarion followed this up with a more sophisticated navigation application with a map display and turn-by-turn directions. It had a MSRP of $1799.

Clarion created a follow-up using a next generation version of the Windows CE for Automotive operating system called the Joyride. This included MP3 playback via CD-R and compact flash cards. It also included an improved navigation system, including GPS receiver and gyroscope for inertial navigation.

The AutoPC was created by Microsoft‘s Automotive Business Unit. This group has gone on to develop several products for car manufacturers, including Ford‘s Sync, released in 2007.

Source: Wikipedia

Kia Motors and Microsoft Usher in New Era of In-Car Technology:

Jan. 05, 2010
With UVO, drivers and passengers can quickly and directly access music files, change radio stations, make or answer phone calls, send and receive SMS text messages, and operate a rear-view camera when the driver shifts into reverse, all through voice-activated controls using Microsoft speech recognition technology. The hands-free system helps drivers stay focused on the road.

Features of UVO include advanced speech recognition; a 4.3-inch full-color display screen; and MyMusic, a jukebox-type function that enables drivers to shuffle between music sources including personal music folders, an MP3 player, or AM/FM and satellite radio.

Co-designed by Kia Motors and Microsoft, UVO is built on the award-winning Microsoft Windows Embedded Auto software platform. The system will be offered during the third quarter of 2010, starting with the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV.

Microsoft and Kia will demonstrate UVO at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week

Source: Microsoft

Compiled By: Josh Martin

 

The Chilliwack River Challenges A Mazda CX-5

Who are these “celebrities”?

Jessica Groeneveld: I started Paddling in 2000. That year I went to the Alberta Summer Games in Grand Prairie and won my first gold medal; after that I was hooked. I won a few national championships as a Cadet (under age 14). I made the Junior National team in 2006 and made my first trip to Europe to compete against the world. I have been to Europe competing every year since and just can’t get enough of it. In 2008 I placed 2nd at the Pan American championships in Charlotte N.C. and qualified for Canada’s Beijing Olympic spot at that race. 2008 was also my first year on the national team. In 2009 I made top Canadian female on the national team at trials in May. In August I won Pan American championships on my home course in Kananaskis; and with London 2012 in sight I have no plans to slow down any time soon.

Paul Manning Hunter: Paul Manning-Hunter was orginally from Edmonton, Alberta but now lives in Calgary to train with his coach Michael Holroyd. Paul spent four years on the Canadian junior national team and placed 5th at the 2005 Junior Pre-World championships in Solkan, Slovenia and was Canadian junior and North American Under-23 champion.

Paul is now a member of the Canadian senior national team and was 4th at the 2012 Pan-American championships at Foz-do-Iguacu, Brazi

When Paul is not kayaking he is attending Mount Royal University or following his passion of photographing and filming wildlife and nature.

John Hastings: It all started at the age of 16 in my hometown of Aurora, Ontario. After watching the opening ceremonies and athletes like Simon Whitfield, Caroline Brunet and Steve Giles win medals at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, I realized that I not only wanted to go to the Olympic Games, but that I too wanted to win a medal for Canada.

As a member of the Canadian Junior National Team at the time, I realized that in order for me to go to the games, I needed to become the best in the country. With many distinguished athletes in front of me, I realized that this was not going to be any easy task; the road in front of me was long and arduous.

At the age of 18, entering my final year of high school, I had to make the first of many difficult decisions. I was provided with the opportunity to relocate to Ottawa, Ontario to train full-time at the National Team training center. To chose this route would involve leaving behind my family and friends and since I had spent much of my life in Aurora, starting fresh at a new high school would be a daunting and undesirable task. However, the dream of achieving Olympic excellence was too powerful and with the support of both my family and friends, I packed my bags and headed north.

With my recent move, I anticipated immediate success; however, when I didn’t achieve the results I wanted in that first year (i.e. placing in the top 4, and making the national team), the thought of quitting entered my mind. I was young and immature then and didn’t realize that time is an integral factor in achieving excellence. My dad told me, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win”, and with this in mind I kept my chin up and persevered.

I chipped away, day-by-day, and gradually moved my way up the national ranking list. I spent much time racing and training in America, Europe and Australia with the sole goal of collecting as much experience and knowledge as possible. It was not until 2006, five years after my initial move to Ottawa, that I finally made the national team, qualifying second overall. With this title, I was provided with the opportunity to represent Canada on the World Cup circuit and at the World Championships and having been doing so ever since.

In 2008, I thought I was going to the Olympics. All of the training and racing leading up to our Olympic Trials made me believe that my dream was going to come to fruition; however, things didn’t go as planned. I missed the team and found myself in the very difficult position to either quit/retire, or try again in four years. I deliberated, and decided to go for it. Since 2008, I have made finals at World Cups, have won a few International races; but most importantly, I feel I am on pace to realizing my Olympic dream.

I believe life is all about minimizing regrets…we will never regret our failures and successes, but we will always regret never trying. I am chasing my dream, I am following my passion. London 2012, here I come.

“With the new CX-5 Crossover Mazda had a tough job. They had to make a car that satisfied their efficiency targets, while being fairly capable off-road, and it had to have that Mazda charm and driving fun as well. Thanks to a range of new SKYACTIV technologies, they managed to pull it off”
– Motorward

Compiled by: Josh Martin

 

Colorado Rejects Googles Driverless Car Proposal – Video Blog

Video Produced By: ABC News

**Update**

DENVER – Automated cars won’t be allowed in Colorado this year after a state Senate committee rejected a bill to allow driverless vehicles.

The Senate Transportation Committee decided against the bill to make Colorado at least the fifth state where automatic cars are legal. The cars are under development and are touted as safer than human-operated vehicles.

The bill would have stated that automated cars must still contain licensed drivers, and that the cars would have to have an override switch so they can be driven manually if needed.

Source: The Associated Press
DENVER – Cars without drivers could be possible on Colorado roads – but first lawmakers have to change state law to make them legal.

The state Legislature is poised to do just that under a bill up for its first debate in a Colorado Senate committee this week. The Transportation Committee will consider whether Colorado should become at least the fifth state to change the law to specifically allow automated cars.

The driver-less cars are developed in California by Google. Colorado’s proposal would state that automated cars must still contain licensed drivers, and the cars must contain an “override switch” so they can be driven manually if needed. The “drivers” in automated cars would be allowed to text or type.

Source: The Associated Press