Kia AutoSport goes PINK!

It's finally October! The weather is cooling off, and there is a slight pink tent around Tallahassee. You know what that means: Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

This year we are happy to announce that we are a sponsor for the  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K! This year the 5K will be held on Sunday, October 19th at Cascades Park at 1:00 pm!

It's time to start a team, join a team, or walk as an individual! Register your team early at www.makingstrideswalk.org/leon

"Every Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about steps we can take to reduce our risk of getting breast cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need ...them in Leon county. Since Making Strides began 20 years ago, breast cancer death rates have declined more than 32 percent.

We are making history, and you have the opportunity to be involved in your community." (MSABC)

We are so excited for this event, and can't wait to see you there!

Cram the Van!

School is just around the corner! This month we are teaming up with The Early Coalition of the Big Bend Region  for Cram the Van! We are asking everyone to stop by and donate school supplies, and children's books! Five items will earn you a $25 dollar off your next service.

 

The Early Learning Coalition is responsible for the administration of School Readiness, and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs. The ELC serves Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla county. "The Board and staff have strived to provide a holistic service delivery system that is responsive to needs of families and communities while maintaining effective and efficient business practices supporting the following primary goals: Children are ready for success when they enter school; and Families have access to the quality child care services and assistance they need." (The Early Coalition of the Big Bend Region)

 

 Join us in helping the ELC make sure every child has the necessary tools, and supplies to prepare them for success in school!

Arrive Alive

I bet you never would have guessed that...

• One in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime
• Almost every 90 seconds, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash
• In 2011, 9,878 people died in drunk driving crashes - one every 53 minutes
• An average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before first arrest
• Drunk driving costs each adult in this country almost $500 per year
• Drunk driving costs the United States $132 billion a year
• 50 to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license
• In 2010, 211 children were killed in drunk driving crashes. Out of those 211 deaths, 131 (62 percent) were riding with the drunk driver
• In fatal crashes in 2010, the highest percentage of drunk drivers was for drivers ages 21 to 24 (34 percent), followed by ages 25 to 34 (30 percent) and 35 to 44 (25 percent)
• About one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol are repeat offenders
• The average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour. Only time will sober a person up. Drinking strong coffee, exercising or taking a cold shower will not help
• Buzzed driving IS drunk driving
• 90% of all drunk driving happens after drinking with family, friends, and coworkers. There is almost always somebody around who could be part of the solution. Don't let drunk driving happen right in front of you
• Drunk driving is responsible for approximately 27 deaths in the United States every day. That's 9855 preventable deaths every year

Prevent it...

• Take the SoberDriver's Pledge. Make a personal commitment to avoid driving drunk as well as to prevent drunk driving by helping others
• Call a cab
• Designate a driver
• Ask someone else to take you home
• Hide keys. Don't be afraid to take someone's car keys. If the person gets angry, it's probably proof you're doing the right thing

Keep Yourself (and Others!) Safe...

Law enforcement officials say there are several signs associated with drunk driving:

• Making wide turns
• Weaving, swerving, drifting, or straddling the center line
• Almost striking an object or vehicle
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Driving at a very slow speed
• Stopping without cause
• Braking erratically
• Responding slowly to traffic signals
• Turning abruptly or illegally
• Driving after dark with headlights off

Keeping these things in mind can help you avoid a dangerous situation. If you spot what you think is an impaired driver, keep a safe distance and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle yourself.

We love our Kia family and we want you to arrive alive every time! 

Second Harvest of the Big Bend

Most everyone has probably heard of Second Harvest at some point or another. How could you not? They have their giving hands in almost every project relating to food around the country. Just in the Big Bend alone 44,000 people a month are fed because of the efforts of Second Harvest.  Most residents are aware that Second Harvest is a food bank and helps feed the community. However, many do not know the efforts behind the scene and all of the side programs Second Harvest of the Big Bend offers.

In this blog I am going to take go straight to the point with facts and figures of Second Harvest of the Big Bend. If you would like to read more about the nitty and gritty please continue to their website. http://www.fightinghunger.org/

Food Bank Operations-

The food bank operation is the heart and soul of Second Harvest.  They collect, store, and distribute 5.5 million pounds of food annually! First, the food is donated or acquired by Second Harvest. Then the food is distributed to more than 135 partner agencies; these agencies give the food to those directly in need of it.

Brown Bags for Seniors-

This generous program provides grocery items for more than 430 elderly in our community!  The seniors that receive this service are either on a fixed-income or impoverished.

Child Nutrition Program-

1 in 4 children in the Big Bend struggle with hunger daily.  Second Harvest strives to keep working as hard as they can until the day that no child in the Big Bend goes a day without food hungry.  

Backpack Program-

This service provides 350 bags of food weekly to children in school so they will have food for the weekend. This allows the children to worry less about where their next meal will come from and more about staying in school and doing their homework.

 Summer Food Program-

The summer can be a hard time for a child if you don’t know where your next meal is coming from. That is why Second Harvest of the Big Bend supplies 6,216 meals and snack to children in the summer months.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend supplies incredible amounts of food to the counties it services. However, they can’t do it alone! As of right now only 7% of the food comes from food drives. Kia Autosport is determined to drive that number up! This is our community and it’s our turn to give back too.  

 

Throughout the month of February we will be collecting food and monetary donations to be gifted to Second Harvest of the Big Bend! Look out for our Facebook page because we will have weekly specials and promotions benefiting Second Harvest and you! On February 23^rd we will have a BBQ here as one last push to collect the most food possible. At the BBQ we will have contests, prizes, and a big give away!

We can’t do it alone though! Clean out your cabinets and if it’s been there for over a year and you still haven’t eaten it, you probably won’t eat it.  So give it to those in need!  But check the expiration date first J

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.

  

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.

2013 Optima SX Limited

2013 Optima SX Limited

The new 2013 Optima SX Limited has made its way to our dealership, and they sure are gorgeous! The SXL is a fully loaded version of the already luxurious Optima SX. The SXL features stylish embellishments such as LED running lights located on top of its fog lamps, chrome accents on the lower door trims and rear spoiler, and red front brake calipers. The door panels, center console and seats are embellished by Napa leather, and the door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel are adorned by genuine wood trim. The SXL is only offered in three colors; Snow White Pearl, Titanium Silver and Ebony Black.

When viewing the inside of the SXL, you will see that it looks more upscale compared to other Optima models. The cabin provides a welcoming and prestigious feel. The SXL is offered with the standard equipment’s such as the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled front seats. Aside from those, the SX Limited is also equipped with metal pedals, an Infinity audio system with speakers, as well as a navigation system. New to the 2013 is electronic parking brake technology.

The Optima SX Limited has more equipped features than you would find on any other Optima. If the outside and inside of the Limited put you in awe, check out what’s under the hood! The Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Kia Optima SX. This engine is capable of producing 274 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission as well as the sport-tuned suspension used on the Limited was also sourced from the SX. Due to this, the Optima's class-leading fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway are also present in the SXL.

The KIA Optima SX Limited has become one of the most admired vehicles out there due to its abundance of features and gorgeous look. Come in today, take it for a test drive, and see what all the talk is about!

Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!

Dunk Melanie or Your Favorite KIA Employee!

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY TO DUNK MELANIE LEE IN A DUNK TANK!?

Here at Kia we love to have fun and work hard at the same time! With July 4^th right around the corner we wanted to carry on the fun throughout the week. This Friday KIA AutoSport will be having an employee/customer appreciation day with all proceeds going to the Pyramid Center! We love our Community and love to help out in any way we can, and would love to have community support. From 12-5 you will be able to dunk Melanie Lee or your favorite Kia employee.  Hopefully you have good aim because, I don’t know about you but man would I love to see someone get dunked. We will be cooking up some delicious BBQ with tons of delicious foods and refreshments! The radio Stations will be out here playing music for us and raffling off prizes! Don’t let the fun end on July fourth, come on by and see how well your aim is! Bring your family and friends; this is an event you don’t want to miss out on!

Donations:
$5 dollars= Food + 2 throws
$1 dollar= per throw
$5 dollars= 8 throws
See you Friday!

How to Prepare for a Storm

Preparing for the Unavoidable Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

It’s summer time and the sun is shining! We hope you are enjoying the gorgeous weather and the afternoon showers, to cool you off! Unfortunately, along with the gorgeous summer months we have to be prepared for the horrid tropical storms and the chance of dealing with hurricanes/tornadoes.  Even if they don’t hit Tallahassee, you could be traveling and end up in a city where they do hit. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1^st to November 30^Th. There is nothing magical in these dates, and hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. We want everyone to be safe, and prepared for these storms ahead of time.

 Ways to make sure you’re prepared for Hurricane/Storm season:

v  Be Informed

o   Stay updated with the news via TV, radio, newspaper, or Internet and be sure to keep watch on the exact path of the hurricane/storm. The hurricane could take a turn at any time so staying updated is very important.

v  Plan and Know the Escape/Evacuation Route

o   As a hurricane/tropical storm approaches, things may get pretty hectic. The roads may be packed with people doing last minute preparations. It's going to be tough getting through traffic when you really don't know where you're going. Be prepared ahead of time. Study the evacuation route in your area. Make sure everyone in your family knows the route. Visit the National

v  Protect Your Home

o   The wind bands during a hurricane or a tropical storm winds can get very strong. If necessary, be sure to board up your windows. Also, pick up lawn furniture, garden tools, or any other heavy objects in your yard. When the winds pick up, these items could be flying around damaging your home or killing someone.

v  Fill Up Your Gas Tanks

o   As the hurricane or storm passes through, there could be many power outages and gas shortages. Getting a full tank along with a spare gas can is very important. It may be a day, two days, or even a week for everything to start coming back again.

v  Water, Water, Water!

o   Water is an essential. After a storm, the water supply might be down. Keeping lots and lots of water available will help you and your family stay hydrated and cool, especially if the power might be out. It can get pretty hot and humid. Make sure you have enough to last you a couple weeks.

v  Battery Operated Radios, Extra Batteries, Flashlights, First Aid Kits, and Extra Clothes

o   These are very important to have. They will aid you after a damaging storm. The battery operated radio will keep you informed while the flashlight will guide you in the darkened night. Extra clothes will always come in handy.

v  Lots of Non-Perishable Foods

o   Non-Perishable foods are foods that won't spoil even without refrigeration. If there are major damages in your area, most likely there won't be power, nor will the stores and restaurants be open. So keep a lot of non-perishable foods like canned foods and packaged foods available. Make sure that there is enough to last you a week or two.

v  Keep Extra Cash

o   The banks may be closed and the ATMs may be down. Even if the stores are open, their credit card machines may also be down, so keep some cash just in case you might need it.

v  Seek a Shelter

o   The newscasters will announce the available shelters in your area. If a hurricane is coming right over your path, I would strongly recommend you to seek shelter. Wanting to stay home to watch over your house is not worth risking your life. Even if your home is damage, at least you and your family will be safe.

Stay safe this summer and make sure to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Don’t mess around with storms or hurricanes, they’re very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage. We hope everyone has safe travels and an awesome summer. Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!