Christmas at KIA Autosport

Ways to get involved with KIA Autosport this Christmas-

 

Holiday Sharing Tree:

There is nothing like waking up on Christmas morning with a warm blanket protecting you from the cold, the aroma of fresh coffee filling the air, and the soft echo of Christmas music playing in the living room. The anticipation has built so much that hours of sleep were lost wondering what Santa could have brought you this morning. Then finally, you run into the living room to experience the utmost joy of seeing a present underneath the Christmas tree with your name on it.  

The Holiday Giving Tree insures that everyone is able to experience the happiness that comes with opening a present on Christmas. The Holiday Sharing Tree is a program that collects donations/gifts for individuals and families with limited financial resources, developmental and physical disabilities, the elderly, and other disadvantaged persons. The Holiday Sharing Tree was created so that no one was present-less on Christmas; with so many people in need the program thrives on donations from the community. That is why we are a proud sponsor of the Holiday Sharing Tree!

 If you would like to participate, you can come into KIA Autosport and pick up a donation card. On the card will be a couple gift ideas that their parent has suggested or the individual has asked for. The card is simply a suggestion, you are more than welcome to donate whatever gift you would like as long as it is new. Presents are suggested to be approximately a $25 value but a donation of any size is gratefully accepted!  Gifts should then be unwrapped and brought back to the Holiday Sharing Tree to be displayed and eventually collected. Donations will then be distributed to the family so the individual has a present to open on Christmas morning!

Santa Day:

December the 8^th, we will be hosting a Santa Clause day! There will be FREE food, prizes, radio stations and of course SANTA CLAUSE! Everyone is welcome, even the dog, the more the merrier! We will be collecting donations for the Salvation Army throughout the day. As well we will still be handing out cards for the Holiday Sharing Tree and collecting donations towards that as well. It will be a great day to spread holiday cheer within the community, give back, and get a picture with Santa!

Salvation Army:  

We will be ringing the bell every Friday at the Tennessee St Walmart! We would love any donations are Kia family and friends would like to give! As well we will be collecting canned goods at the dealership.

 

KIA Fuel Economy- MPG Information

We are extremely sorry for the errors affecting our valued customers.  Working along-side KIA Corporate we are dedicated to doing everything we can to keep you fully informed so you are easily able to take appropriate actions.

The Issue

KIA Motors America has announced corrections to the fuel economy ratings for approximately 300,000 KIA vehicles. An internal review has concluded that a set of procedural misinterpretations and errors at the joint Hyundai/Kia technical centers led to overstated miles per gallon (MPG) ratings for select vehicles.

How Did This Happen?

In 2009 Kia and Hyundai's joint testing facility created a new team of engineers to improve MPG testing procedures. One of the first things they attempted to do was increase test accuracy and repeatability by creating additional protocols, which complied with EPA guidelines, for Kia engineers to follow in every test to enhance reliability. What we learned from the EPA is that some of those new procedures do not comply with their interpretation and industry practices and led to overstated MPG ratings.

Affected Models

·         The MPG ratings affect a select group of 2011-2013 KIA vehicles.

·         To see if your vehicle is affected go to: https://kiampginfo.com/overview/affected-models

-IF you find your vehicle is affected continue to filing the claim process.

You will need you VIN number to see if your model is affected:

·         VIN stands for vehicle identification number and is a unique 17-character number, containing both numbers and letters, to identify your vehicle.

-Your VIN can be found by looking at the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. The easiest way to view it is to stand outside the vehicle on the driver's side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. VINs are also listed on insurance cards/policies and vehicle registration documentation.

Claim Process

KIA is committed to fully reimbursing current and former vehicle owners, that were affected, for the difference in fuel costs associated with miles per gallon (MPG) rating changes. Our top priority is to make things right.

·         Go to https://kiampginfo.com/ to enter your VIN number to see if your vehicle is eligible for reimbursement. (To find VIN number see above)  

·         Currently the function for customers to estimate their fuel reimbursement is unavailable. If an eligible VIN is supplied (step above), you will be asked to provide your contact information so you can be notified when the reimbursement estimator is available.

·         You will receive an acknowledgment email confirming your submission.

·         In a few days you will receive another email notifying that you are able to log back in and estimate your fuel reimbursement.  At this point follow the steps listed below.

Current Owners:

1.       Register your contact information at www.KiaMPGinfo.com

2.       Obtain ownership and mileage verification from authorized KIA dealer

-For telephone assistance contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648

3.       Once an owner’s claim has been approved following the registration and ownership/mileage verification process, owners will be sent a debit card for the amount of their reimbursement.

IMPORTANT: Current and former owners may register for mileage reimbursement beginning November 2, 2012. Owners must register online to make their first claim by December 1, 2013.

Former Owners

 Former owners who sold their car on or before November 2, 2012 can make a claim by follow these east steps:

1.       Register contact information at www.KiaMPGinfo.com

2.        Provide proof of mileage during their ownership of the vehicle (e.g., purchase and sale documents, odometer disclosure statements, smog certification, repair orders or other documents demonstrating mileage).

-KIA is currently building the process for online submission of these ownership and mileage documents. Former owners who provide an email address will receive notification when the online submission process is available for submission of documents.

-For telephone assistance contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648

3.      Once an owner’s claim has been approved following the registration and ownership/mileage verification process, owners will be sent a debit card for the amount of their reimbursement.

IMPORTANT: Current and former owners may register for mileage reimbursement beginning November 2, 2012. Owners must register online to make their first claim by December 1, 2013.

Compensation

Mileage Formula- Everything you need to know about how the reimbursement amount is calculated.

Owners will be reimbursed based on:

1.       Mileage accrued by the owner during their ownership period.

2.       2012 average fuel prices for their geographic area as provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel)

         - 2012 average fuel prices will vary by geographic area (e.g., New England area states, Gulf Coast area states, West Coast area states, etc.).

3.       The change in combined (city/hwy) fuel economy estimates for their vehicle.

-Details of the actual fuel economy rating change for each affected vehicle type can be found online at www.KiaMPGinfo.com.

4.       PLUS an additional 15% premium

- Owners will receive a debit card with reimbursement based on the above formula.

Timeframes

1.       Current and former owners may register for mileage reimbursement beginning November 2, 2012. Owners must register online to make their first claim by December 1, 2013.

2.       After the initial reimbursement, current owners are eligible for subsequent reimbursements based upon the actual miles driven thereafter.

- An additional verification of ownership and mileage must be made at an authorized KIA dealer to generate a subsequent incremental reimbursement. Eligibility for a subsequent reimbursement begins at least ninety (90) days following any previous reimbursements and when the reimbursement value reaches at least $25, or when the owner ceases ownership of their vehicle, whichever comes first.

- Former owners may make only one claim per vehicle since their mileage driven has already been defined.

3.       Mileage will not be reimbursed for new owners taking ownership of any of the affected vehicles after November 2, 2012.

4.       Once a customer has registered for the program and visited an authorized Kia dealer for ownership and mileage verification, the reimbursement debit card is expected to be mailed within fifteen (15) business days.

- Owners with questions regarding their reimbursement or the reimbursement process are encouraged to contact the Kia Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648.

Further Information

 We are extremely apoplectic to any inconvenience the MPG rating has caused you. We hope that our transparent actions and nationwide efforts to fix the problem exemplifies our dedication to our customers.  For any unanswered questions please go to the KIA MPG Information website at https://kiampginfo.com/. This website was specifically developed to help make this process as easy as possible for you.

Customer satisfaction is very important to us, so we want to make sure that you have the latest information about this situation. If you have any questions about your MPG ratings, whether your vehicle is affected and eligible for reimbursement, or need information on how to apply for compensation, please contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648. For all other matters involving your KIA vehicle, please contact our Kia Consumer Assistance Center at 800-333-4KIA (4542).

For media inquiries, please visit us at www.kiamedia.com or contact Scott McKee at smckee@kiausa.com.

  

Halloween Happiness

Here at KIA Autosport we really get into the holidays! Halloween is one of the most vivacious times of the year. Last week we ordered all our costumes themed as Wizard of Oz and this week we are getting into even more spooky fun with decorations around the office and a chili cook off!

Between costumes, decorations, and great food it is hard to say what the best part of Halloween is but one of the most fun things you can do is pumpkin carving. Pumpkin carving is a tradition that families and friends can pass along to do together.   It is easy to recall memories of going to the pumpkin patch with the family in search of the perfect pumpkin.  It seemed like the utter most important thing in the world that the pumpkin was the best of the best.  The search would consist of looking for the pumpkin with the most luscious color and perfectly plump shape. Once the perfect pumpkin was selected, one would instantly start dreaming and scheming of what was about to be carved into it. The carving process truly brings the families together so the KIA family wants to help your family make the best pumpkins at home as possible and here is how you do it!

Cutting the Pumpkin Top

If you want a unique way to seat yourself apart try cutting a star or a funky shape instead of the usual square.  

1.       Make a circle of dots with a marker on the top of your pumpkin.

2.       From there just start cutting your star points from your imagination.  (This should NEVER be done by anyone less than 15 without adult supervision!!)

3.       Make deep incisions so that you cut through the entire pumpkin top. The top should pop off easily after doing this.

Scooping Out the “Guts” of the Pumpkin

Lay down A LOT of newspaper before you start the scooping and cutting. It will be messy, VERY MESSY.

1.       Take a METAL spoon that won’t bend and start working on the walls of the pumpkin.

2.       Use an amble amount of pressure so that all of the insides are fully scraped out and there are no strings or chunks still in there.

3.       Most importantly make sure the bottom is fully carved and that you leave a nice flat surface for a candle to be able to sit on.

4.       IF you like pumpkin seeds put them into a bowl to clean later. If not, just put them onto the newspaper you laid out and simply wrap them up and remove that layer of paper for an easy clean up!

Drawing on the Design

This is done best with a water-based marker. This way if you don’t cut exactly on the line you can easily wipe off the marks from your pumpkin.

1.       Draw the cut-out so that the holes are large enough to provide proper ventilation for the candle.

2.       Keep in mind that though intricate designs are very cool they aren’t always the easiest to cut out!

3.       HAVE FUN! Draw whatever design that comes to mind and make sure it is something you love!

Carving Out Your Pumpkin

Don’t take it too seriously! It may not come out perfectly but if you had fun doing it then it really is the best of the best!

1.       Start cutting the middle facial features first and slowly move out ward.

2.       If you make a mistake you can reattach the piece by using parts of toothpicks!

3.       When you’re done place a candle in it and enjoy your beautiful creation!

 

When going through the process make sure to embrace the mess and have fun with the kinks! Pumpkin carving is about bring together and enjoying good company!

Pink Bra Campaign

The “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign started in Florida 2011. It was created to help promote breast cancer awareness.  The pink bras are there to remind women throughout Florida that breast cancer is a disease that could affect all of us.  They represent the support the community brings to them and empowers women to keep fighting.  You can see women sporting their pink bras during Making Strides events. Woman are uniting together to support the fight against breast cancer.  Do your part today by joining the campaign and making your own pink bra!

Saturday, October 6^th, KIA Autosport will be hosting a lunch-in to raise money for breast cancer. Women from the Pink Bra Campaign will be there with their pink bras on! So start decorating yours so you can show your support too! Not sure where to begin or what decorating a bra takes? Check how these helpful tips to get you started!

Tips on Decorating your Pink Bra:

·         Decide on a Theme

Whether you are planning on decorating by yourself or with a group, starting with a theme is a good way to keep your design on track and keep you from going to your craft store a million times.   If you are having a hard time thinking of a theme try imagining the materials you want to use. Sometimes they are a great source of inspiration!

 

Potential Materials:

1.       Jewels- You could never have too much bling!

2.       Bright Lace

3.       Any type of fringe or tassel

4.       Sequins- Fabric made of sequins makes applying them easier!

5.       Glitter

6.       Ribbon

7.       Paint

8.       Feathers

·         Essential Equipment:

1.       Hot water dye.  If you find a pink bra to start off with you won’t need this step but if you couldn’t find a pink bra as a base you will need to buy a white bra and then dye it!

2.       Small glue gun

3.       Fabric glue

4.       Needles and Thread

·         General Tips:

1.       ALWAYS wash your bra before decorating it.

2.       NEVER decorate under the arms- I could cause a serious rash and irritation.

3.       While decorating your bra, particularly the back, keep in mind of the elastic. If you decorate it too much the bra might not be able to stretch and fit!

4.       ALWAYS adjust your straps before you start decorating, that way you’ll know it will fit when you’re all done!

5.       While sewing on decorations, be careful of getting decorations on the inside of the bra.  Little strings and what not could end up being uncomfortable.

6.       Try to do at least one training walk in your bra or at least wear it around the house to ensure it is comfy enough!

7.       HAVE FUN WITH IT!

 

If you do not have time to decorate your own bra try doing it online! Bedazzle a bra online and send it to friends and family everywhere, to make sure they are giving themselves at home breast exams!

http://www.facebook.com/putonyourpinkbra/app_100845500021473

For more information about the Pink Bra campaign and stories go to: http://www.putonyourpinkbra.com/survivor_stories.php?id=3

 

The Best Game Day Decorations

How to Decorate your Tailgating Vehicle

Football season is happening and that means tailgating is too! There are 5 major components to having a great tailgate: food, drinks, music, games and TEAM SPIRIT.  Unfortunately not everyone remembers that decorating your ride with team spirit is essential to having the best tailgate on the block. We want everyone to have a great game day, and be prepared to decorate their vehicle!  

10 Tips on Decorating your Car for a Tailgate

1.       Make sure that your vehicle is squeaky clean! That means take the time to get a car wash before the game. Don’t forget about the inside of the car too! You don’t want your tailgate to be spoiled by the smell of hot garbage in your car.

2.       Tailgating lots are packed with hundreds of cars so you need to be able to stand out.  How do you do that? Buy a personalized flag with your teams’ colors!  With a unique flag soaring high in the sky your friends and family will find you quickly and easily.

3.       Car decals go a long way! Place decals on your car so everyone knows exactly who you are rooting for.  Magnetic decals are perfect if you only want them on for tailgates.

4.       Go big or go home!  Vanity license plates can show you are truly a dedicated fan. Pair it with a license plate frame and you are going to be showing true team spirit!

5.       Get a little artistic with window pants!  Use your team colors to write your favorite game day sayings on the side of your car.  (Window pants are sold at most kid craft stores so they should be easy to find on short notice!)

6.       If your vehicle has a grill in the front, attach streamers and blooms to add a little extra flair and style.  If you do not have a grill, don’t worry!  You can tie the balloons to the handles of your car and look just as festive.

7.       Don’t be afraid to make signs! Signs hanging on the outside of your car can show your personal style and preferences. Write the number of your favorite player and everyone will know who you are supporting.

8.       Does your team have a theme song? If you can get a recording of the marching band, you are set! Play the song once an hour to get your friends riled up and ready to cheer during the game.

9.       To make your car look even better decorate your tailgating spot with team spirit too.  Coordinate your tailgating chairs and games with the decorations on your car!

10.   The number one tailgating decoration tip is to make your friends JEALOUS! You want to decorate your car with enthusiasm and style. If you love the way it looks chances are they will too. Keep in mind that making your ride look great, will make you look great!

Tips:

1.       Have a designated driver! If you are going through this much trouble you want to make sure that your car stays safe and that you do too!

2.       Remove all excessive decorations from the car BEFORE you start driving away from the tailgate. Balloons on the grill and driving are not a safe combination.

3.       Wash your car later that day. Though most window pants are safe for your car you don’t want to risk hurting the paint job.

I Fight Fanconi

 

FANCONI ANEMIA

This September KIA Autosport of Tallahassee is partnering up with Kidz1^stFund!  Kidz1^stFund was created in 2011 by Jimbo and Candi Fisher after their son was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia. They started Kidz1^stFund to educate the community, stimulate awareness, and raise money for Fanconi anemia research.

What is Fanconi Anemia?

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is an inherited anemia; it is primarily a blood disease that affects all systems of the body.  Ninety  percent of patients develop bone marrow failure, necessitating a stem cell transplant. Even after a patient has received a bone marrow transplant the fight is not over, many complications arise in those who make it into adulthood. Cancer is one of the most common diseases associated with FA, eighteen to twenty percent of patients develop acute myelogenous leukemia. 

FA is primarily a recessive disorder: if both parents carry a defect in the same FA gene, each of their children has a twenty-five percent chance of inheriting the defective gene. Though it is not a well-known disease it is estimated that about 1 in 131,000 babies in the United States will be born with FA, approximately 31 babies a year. Fifteen years ago the survival rate was at merely thirty percent; however with the help of scientist and those working to find a cure the survival rate is now an incredible eighty percent.

Why is it important to help?

“Discovering treatments, uncovering secrets and discovering a cure all require research—and research takes money.  New treatments are in the process of being developed and breakthroughs are close in sight, at such a pivotal point in the research process all efforts are needed to help find a cure and improve the lives of those with Fanconi anemia.” –Kids1stFund

How can you help?

Our mission is to find effective treatments and a cure for Fanconi anemia and to provide education and support services to affected families worldwide.

 As their mission statements illuminates there are many ways to help the fight Fanconi Anemia. The obvious way to help is by donating towards FA. Any amount can make a huge difference; that is why throughout the month of September KIA Autosport we will be collecting donations. At the end of the month Melanie Lee will be matching the total amount raised. However, donating money is not the only way to get involved, you can help by simply creating awareness of FA. Educating others and spreading the word about Fanconi anemia is contributing to the cause because awareness stimulates action.  Another way to help is by donating bone marrow. As stated almost everyone affected by FA will need to receive a bone marrow transplant, unfortunately not everyone has a suitable donor. By joining the Nation Marrow Donor Registry you can determine if you a match to one of the thousands of people who are looking for help.  Visit Be The Match at www.marrow.org to find out how you can help.

ELC MONTH

Early Learning Coalition Month

The month of July and August is Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Months here at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee! We have a bunch of promotions and events going on throughout the month and are so excited to bring attention to this great organization!
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region (ELC) is a private not-for-profit organization that provides services to families, children, and child care providers in the seven counties that comprise northern Florida’s Big Bend Region: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla.

The ELC works collaboratively with families, their children, and local child care providers to help prepare children for success in school and support families' ability to work. Through effective parent education and professional development for child care professionals, the ELC connects the home and school by sharing critical information and resources on child development and how to best support each child's individual growth.

Family support services including tuition assistance programs, child care information services, and community referrals support each families' individual success by connecting them to the information and resources they need. The ELC works with families to connect them to quality child care options and support them in choosing a program that best meets their child's needs.

Services:

• Help families find the quality child care services they need for their child;
• Help families pay for child care for those that qualify;
• Conduct hearing, vision, and development screening to make sure children are developing as they should for their age;
• Help parents learn what they can do to support their child’s growth and development;
• Connect families to additional support services they may need…

The ELC helps “Families get ready for work, and children get ready to learn!”.

Back to School Drive Event

As it draws close to time for kids to go back to school, Kia Auto Sport wants to make sure that our youngest students have all of the ART supplies and materials they need. Did you know that thousands of local children will begin preschool this year? In partnership with the ELC, Kia is helping our local preschools be ready for this year by hosting a Pre-School Supply Drive!

Our preschools need lots of paint, crayons, markers, paper, glue, scissors, and other materials to help our children in their first school experiences! Help us to Cram the Van at Kia and kick of the new school year!