Kia Comes To Chicago; New Automotive Brand Now Available in Illinois, Indiana
11 March 1998
Kia Comes To Chicago; New Automotive Brand Now Available in Illinois, IndianaCHICAGO, March 11 -- Kia officially drives into Illinois and Indiana this week when 16 Chicago-area dealerships begin selling Kia vehicles. Kia's introduction to the Chicago market took place at the 1998 Chicago Auto Show in February when the company debuted its new minivan, set to go on sale in model year 2000. The new dealership openings are part of Kia's planned expansion into the Midwest in 1998. With the addition of the new Chicago-area dealers, Kia vehicles now are on sale at more than 370 locations in 35 states. Kia currently sells two vehicles -- the Sephia (pronounced Seh-FEE-uh) compact sedan and the Sportage (SPORT-ij) sport-utility vehicle. A third model, the Sportage 2-Door Convertible, is due out in the spring. "We expect that the people of Chicago will find a lot to like in our vehicles," explained Greg Warner, Kia's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Our research has told us that, more than ever, they are seeking value and quality, and that's what Kia vehicles deliver. The Sephia features more standard equipment than many of its competitors, yet its starting price begins well below that of other compact sedans. Our Sportage makes the fun and versatility of a sport-utility vehicle affordable to more consumers than ever before." Before retail sales began in the United States in 1994, Kia sent its cars through an extensive series of tests, including putting 2,000 Sephia compact sedans into service at Budget Rent-A-Car in 1993. Using a strategy devised by Warner, Kia has spent the last four years establishing dealerships on a market-by-market basis. Starting in the West and Southwest, Kia Motors America expanded across the Sun Belt, into the Southeast and then up the Atlantic Coast as far as New York. This year, Kia will continue its market- by-market strategy by expanding into New England, and the balance of the Midwest. Kia expects to have dealerships nationwide by the end of 1998. "We only choose dealerships that demonstrate a commitment to serving their customers. Our mission is to provide affordable, value-filled vehicles, and our dealers have to maintain that same high standard," Warner said. "We want dealers who put the customer first." Kia's customer-driven philosophy is backed by dependable, reliable vehicles that have completed real-world testing with flying colors. The Sephia, which stood up well to the abuses of rental car drivers, pizza delivery guys and driving school students, is an affordably priced, well-equipped compact sedan with a manufacturer's suggested retail price beginning at $9,995. The 1998 model features a powerful 1.8-liter, 16-valve, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) four-cylinder engine and dual airbags. The Sportage was the recipient of a 1997 and 1998 "Best Overall Value of the Year" award from IntelliChoice, Inc., an independent consumer research firm. The Sportage was also named the best buy among compact sport-utility vehicles according to the "Men's Journal" 1997 Buyer's Guide and was named one of "Four Wheeler" magazine's top 10 best buys for 1996 and 1997. "Popular Science" voted the Sportage the "Best of What's New" in 1995. The Sportage is a rugged sport-utility vehicle designed with passenger comfort and versatility in mind. It is powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission standard and automatic transmission optional. The Sportage's driver- and passenger-side airbag system includes the world's first knee airbag. The Sportage is available in both two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive. Prices for the 1998 Sportage begin at $14,895. To support its customer first philosophy, Kia has established several policies that set it apart from other manufacturers. All Kia Sephias come with very competitive warranties: a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited vehicle warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage. All owners are covered by Kia Extra-Mile Care, a program that includes 24-hour roadside assistance, for the term of the basic limited warranty. Kia will contact customers no less than seven times during the first two years of ownership, including surveys following the initial purchase and first service to make sure they're happy with the service they received. Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp., in Seoul, South Korea. ILLINOIS AREA DEALERSHIPS Elmhurst Kia Kia of Naperville 330 W. Grand Ave. 3300 Ogden Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126 Lisle, IL 60532 630-833-6700 630-505-8282 Glendale Kia Dave Miller Kia 484 E. North Ave. 4550 W. Lincoln Highway Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Matteson, IL 60443 630-469-6100 708-481-2200 Woodfield Kia William Kia 680 W. Higgins Rd. 6752 W. 95th Street Hoffman Estates, IL 60195 Oak Lawn, IL 60453 847-310-1900 708-430-1515 Bill Jacobs Kia Rizza Kia 2001 W. Jefferson Street 15690 S. Harlem Ave. Joliet, IL 60434 Orland Park, IL 60462 815-725-7110 708-429-2020 Liberty Kia Arlington Kia in Palatine 921 S. Milwaukee Ave. 1290 E. Dundee Road Libertyville, IL 60048 Palatine, IL 60067 847-680-8000 847-991-9000 Bredemann Kia St. Charles Kia 140 N. Northwest Highway 2535 E. Main St. Park Ridge, IL 60068 St. Charles, IL 60174 847-698-3334 630-584-3900 Rock River Kia Kia of Waukegan 202 N. Alpine Road 500 South Greenbay Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Waukegan, IL 60085 815-229-0510 847-360-1527 INDIANA DEALERSHIPS Thomas Kia of Highland Southlake Kia 9825 Indianapolis Blvd. 4191 East Lincoln Highway Highland, IN 46322 Merrillville, IN 46410 219-922-4979 219-947-1527 SOURCE Kia Motors America