The Pyramid Mission

Pyramids Mission
We exist to meet the needs of people
who are developmentally disabled.
We care about the people we serve, our employees, and each other.
We provide uncompromised service.
We believe in what we do.
We make a difference.

Pyramid is an organization located in Tallahassee that is dedicated to enriching the lives of those with severe disabilities. They use art to build excitement and meaning into their disabled student's lives. According to the International Art Therapy Organization, “art therapy encourages self-expression, self-discovery and emotional growth.”  That is exactly what Pyramid is doing; their program fosters an opportunity for students to feel a part of the Tallahassee community.

The  activities in the art program range depending on the students ability and preference. The program offers a variety of involvement from painting to the performing arts. Pyramids' musical group The Pyramid Players perform in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The beautiful artwork created by the students can be seen across the state of Florida and even across state lines.  One is able to purchase paintings, jewelry, and pottery on their website: http://www.pyramidinc.org/gallery.htm. At Kia Autosport we have more than five beautiful paintings displayed in our office and waiting room.

Beyond the arts program Pyramid provides therapeutic repositioning, physical/nutritional and behavioral assistance, peer counseling, sensory integration, social and life-management skills training and a variety of educational classes designed to increase their independence.

Pyramid supplies an abundance of programs to improve the lives of severely disabled community members. Pyramid in a non-profit and has been supported by Medicaid before but it’s not always enough. A primary source of their support is through fundraising, partnerships with the university, and private businesses. Cue Kia Autosport and the Tallahassee community.

Together we can support a group that supports our community.

Throughout the month of March we will donate $50 for every car sold and we will be collecting donations at the dealership. As well March 30^th we will have a Pyramid Party with the students. It will be an eye opening- and awe inspiring experience that we invite you to join. 

“Pyramid’s programs are shaped by an innate belief in the abilities of the people we serve, by a commitment to individualized curricula and a holistic view of our students’ lives.”

Six tips for better fuel economy

Last week, we posted about the Kia Optima Hybrid being the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the lowest fuel consumption. One of the driver's of the winning Optima Hybrid, Wayne Gerdes, has shared his six driving tips for better fuel economy. No matter what kind of car you have you can use these tips to get better fuel economy.

1. Be Smooth
Accelerating quickly and breaking heavily can reduce fuel economy by as much as 33% on the highway, and 10% around town- so think ahead and anticipate the most appropriate speed and drive smoothly.

2. Don't idle
Consider shutting down your vehicle's engine if stopped in traffic for a lengthy period. A modern, fuel-injected engine consumes less than seven seconds worth of fuel on restart.

3. Cut down on gadgets
Running mechanical and electrical accessories decreases fuel economy. Roof racks and trailers spoil the aerodynamics. Operating the air-conditioner on its maximum setting can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%.

4. Maintain your vehicle
A poorly tuned engine burns more fuel, so fuel economy will suffer. Improperly aligned steering, under-inflated tires and poorly adjusted (binding) brakes can all contribute to lowering fuel economy.

5. Plan your trip
Frequent short trips and cold weather can really affect fuel economy. Don't leave your engine running to warm up before setting off. Drive to your furthest destination first and then stop at the closer destinations on your way back. This will ensure the car is warmed up for longer portions of your drive.

6. Don't speed
The faster you drive, the harder your vehicle has to work. Aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) increases significantly with speed and drag increases fuel consumption.

Kia Optima Hybrid is in the Guinness Book of World Records

Great news from our plant in West Point, Georgia! The Kia Optima Hybrid has recently set a world record in the Guinness Book of World Records, for "Lowest fuel consumption driving through all 48 contiguous states in a gasoline hybrid car".

The trip consisted of two drivers, Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius and their luggage, as they travelled across all 48 states in the continental United States. The record breaking trip was over 7800 miles and took 14 days to complete. The Kia Optima Hybrid used only 5.5 tanks of gas during the trip. In order to break the World Record, the Optima Hybrid had to achieve and average fuel consumption of 52.27 mpg. The Optima Hybrid went above and beyond, getting over 64 mpg which beat the car's estimated mpg by over 61%.

Senior Executive Vice President and COO of KIA Motors Corporation, Thomas Oh, had this to say about the Optima Hybrid's amazing feat, "While travelling across the United States the Optima Hybrid experienced temperatures ranging from more than 118 degrees Fahrenheit to less than freezing point. The team climbed through the formidable Rocky mountain chain and negotiated rush hour traffic in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas – which makes the Optima Hybrid’s fuel consumption figure all the more impressive"

One of the drivers, Wayne Gerdes, said this about the record-breaking car, “The remarkable economy figure we achieved included driving in all kinds of conditions, from straight open highway and deserts to gridlocked city traffic, so this really was the ultimate demonstration of the real-world fuel economy that any Optima Hybrid owner can achieve with attention to the details of their driving style.”






We are so excited to share this news with you and our community. We have a huge selection of Kia Optimas and some Optima Hybrids! We wanna see ya in a Guinness Book of World Records Kia! To schedule a test drive, give us a call at 850-576-2116, or stop by Kia Autosport of Tallahassee 2755 W Tennessee Street.

Kia Recall

Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted a recall on certain 2007-08 Kia Optima’s and 2007-08 Rondos. The problem is with the clock spring assembly in the driver's side airbag, which may become damaged over time. If it is damage, it places high resistance on the electrical circuit, can prompt an airbag warning light on the instrument panel and compromise the airbag's ability to deploy. This could put drivers at risk for injury.

Although the recall has not been formally sent out to dealers and customers by KIA Motors, we are aware of the problem and are prepared to assist customers who are affected by this recall. KIA will provide a lifetime warranty for the driver's airbag clock spring contact assembly for vehicles covered under this recall, and Kia Autosport of Tallahassee will replace the vehicle's airbag clock spring as necessary, free of charge.

We haven't seen any vehicles in our dealership with this issue as of yet and not all vehicles in the 07-08 Optima and Rondo production are effected. To find out if your vehicle is included please contact our Service Manager, Jonathan Mullins, 850-576-2116. Jonathan and our staff are always available to answer any questions you may have about this recall or any other service related issues.

We appreciate your business.

We have the Hybrid!

We just got the brand new Optima Hybrid! It gets an estimated 35/40mpg and has a 5 Star Crash Test Rating. It has the beautiful styling of the original Optima, and the gas mileage of a hybrid. We've got it open in our showroom, so come check it out!

Has It Really Been A Year Already?

It is that time again...Launch Party!

We are so excited for our 2011 Launch Party that is happening THIS Thursday at 6pm!

We are hosting Piggy's BBQ, the local radio stations, AND Boyd and Woody Hayes!

There will be FREE dinner, LIVE entertainment, and a chance to WIN some great prices!!

Last but not least, Wolf 103.1 will be raffling off George Strait and Reba McEntire Tickets!

We are so glad to have an amazing inventory on our lot, and we want all of our readers to come down and help us launch our 2011 vehicles!!

Look forward to seeing you all out here; for more information see our facebook page event!

The 2011 Kia Optima is here!!!!

Talk about a change...the 2011 Kia Optima has quickly become one of our favorite vehicles around the dealership. For those who have driven it, no one can deny the amount of horse power this model pocesses. I found a review in the LA Times, and I do not know if I agree with their assessment of the seat cushions, but I wanted to share a review.

Stay tuned for next week, there will be a guest blogger who shares their experience with the 2011 Kia Optima.

2011 Kia Optima drives toward top of its class

Gas Mileage: Are the EPA ratings correct on your vehicle?

Gas Mileage is the fastest concern amongst car shoppers today when purchasing a vehicle. The fact is gas has gone up and it looks like it will stay that way. So, gas mileage is important. I wonder though, who comes up with these ratings on the vehicles and how?

I have been in the car business for many years and I have noticed that most consumers only look at the two numbers in bold on the EPA ratings. If you look closer you will find that there are numbers on the bottom of that BOLD number that tell you the fluctuation in gas mileage on those types of models. I only bring this up because recently on my move to Arizona, I loaded up my 2004 Kia Optima V6 and made the trek 2,000 miles across the country with my dog and a car full of "leftover stuff." Now you would think that with all the added weight and my 85 lb. Lab in the back seat that I would get less than the EPA ratings. On the contrary, I ended the trip with a MPG rating of 31!! The average when I purchased my car was 27. Granted I have had my Kia regularly serviced with Kia AutoSport's award winning service department, but the final number did surprise me.

The moral of this story is don't always trust that sticker on the windshield! Take the vehicle for a spin and always take in to consideration those little numbers on the bottom of the big bold number!