- Kia Canada unveils fully customized Kia Sorento at Vancouver International Auto Show
- Special edition Sorento will support the 2012 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season
TORONTO, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. revealed a fully customized Kia Sorento SX at the 2012 Vancouver International Auto Show today in collaboration of an on-going partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). The special edition vehicle marks the third, and final, iteration in a line of specialty vehicles crafted to showcase Kia's MLS partnerships across Canada.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC players, Alain Rochat and Etienne Barbara, were on hand to reveal the special edition Kia Sorento that signifies the bold strength of the team and resembles the team's distinct uniform.
"The Kia Sorento is our best-selling vehicle in Canada and in the Western region, thanks to its impressive safety and fuel economy as well as its 7-passenger seating availability," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing for Kia Canada Inc. "The customized Vancouver Whitecaps FC Sorento builds on the vehicle's brawny and versatile capability paired with power and efficiency, paying homage to the team's athletic spirit."
In addition to the Sorento's versatility and capabilities, it has received safety recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), being named a 2012 Top Safety Pick.
The Sorento special edition vehicle will be present at select 2012 Vancouver Whitecaps FC matches at BC Place Stadium and will also be used at a variety of promotional events and venues throughout the surrounding Vancouver area.
"Vancouver Whitecaps FC is delighted with the intricate details and features of the new Kia Sorento special edition vehicle which recognizes the distinct details of the 'Caps brand," said Rachel Lewis, Whitecaps FC chief operating officer. "Fans are encouraged to view the uniquely designed vehicle at various home matches and Whitecaps FC events."
On Saturday, April 7th, two Vancouver Whitecaps FC players make special appearances at the Kia booth at BC Place for an autograph signing between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. PT. In addition to autographs, instant prizes and merchandise will be available.
The ongoing partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC extends Kia's commitment to soccer in Canada. The automobile manufacturer is also involved with two other Major League Soccer (MLS) teams - Toronto FC and Montreal Impact. Kia is the Official Automotive Partner of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and presenting sponsor of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series through the agreement.
Kia Sorento Vancouver Whitecaps FC Special Edition
Exterior
Custom pearl white satin paint
Custom painted gloss grey mountain details
Anodized dark blue accenting Vancouver Whitecaps FC logo sunroof decal
Custom Sorento Vancouver Whitecaps FC badging
Interior
Custom dark blue leather piping outlining leather seats
Custom Vancouver Whitecaps FC logo embroidered head rests
Custom Vancouver Whitecaps FC embossed logo floor mats
Customized machined brake and gas pedals with Vancouver Whitecaps FC branding
Wheels/Rims/Brakes/Engine Bay
20-inch rims and tires
Vancouver Whitecaps FC logo on wheel centre caps
Customized brake caliper covers feature the Vancouver Whitecaps FC mountains
Custom painted Vancouver Whitecaps FC logo engine cover
Sound System
Vancouver Whitecaps FC logo on speaker covers
Stock Infinity Premium 10-speaker sound system
2013 Kia Sorento
Starting at $26,895, the best-selling Kia Sorrento is a key contributor to the company's design-led transformation as it offers customers a well-equipped, well-appointed utility vehicle with impressive power, fuel efficiency and versatility with a wealth of standard comfort, convenience and safety equipment. The Sorento offers an available 2.4-litre, four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine with ample power and remarkable fuel efficiency. Built in Kia's North American $1 Billion dollar state of the art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia - KMMG - the Sorento returns remarkable fuel economy of 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway1, while providing consumers class-leading four-cylinder power2 (191 horsepower).
Like all Kia vehicles, the 2013 Sorento is equipped with a wide array of standard safety equipment. All trims come outfitted with six airbags (dual advanced front, dual front side and dual curtain airbags), anti-whiplash active headrests, impact sensing auto door unlock, high-tensile strength steel, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) for second row seating. Also standard on all Sorento trims for increased driver and passenger safety are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), four-wheel disc brake with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Roll Over Prevention (ROP).
Available in 11 trims - the 2013 Sorrento offers a vehicle for any lifestyle with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Employing a unibody design and the ability to seat up to seven passengers, the Sorento is an all-in-one package. The Sorento offers additional available cutting-edge technology features such as Kia's new UVO powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system which enhances the driver's connectivity, convenience and safety. The Sorento's refined exterior, comfortable interior and attractive price are all clear indicators of why it is Kia Canada's best-selling vehicle.
About Kia Canada Inc.:
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 174 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 156 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. This year, Whitecaps FC began their second season in Major League Soccer. For additional information on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.
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1 6.2 L / 100 km fuel economy figure based on a front wheel drive (FWD) automatic transmission Sorento.
2 Class-leading four-cylinder power when compared to other naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines.
Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]
Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
(O): 905.755.6415
(C): 647.462.8986
e-mail: [email protected]
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