NiroBot: The All New Way To Learn About The 2017 Kia Niro

Kia Motors America took a big step into the tech world last week when they launched NiroBot, an interactive bot for Facebook Messenger which delivers fast and comprehensive information for the all-new 2017 Kia Niro.

Roughly 1 billion consumers use Messenger monthly and NiroBot provides great access to those interested in learning more about the vehicle. Kia is among the first automotive brands in the U.S. to utilize Facebook Messenger.

“The all new Niro is like nothing else on the road today, and kicking off our pre-launch strategy by breaking new ground with our bot for Messenger that will make the new car research process much easier and more efficient for shoppers,” stated Kimberley Gardiner, director of marketing, KMA. “The user friendly interface combines the experience of being in a showroom with the convenience and mobility today’s car buyers are looking for as most users interact with NiroBot at their own pace and focus on the specific areas that interest them most.”

Developed and implemented by Ansible, NiroBot has tons of features, like full-screen galleries, guided vehicle discovery, informative product specification menus and step-by-step tutorials. It even gives users the ability to schedule a test drive and connect to a live Kia representative at any time throughout the chat.

“Word of mouth remains the most influential, and coveted, form of brand communication. However, when launching a car and building awareness in a crowded marketplace it’s hard to achieve,” said Travis Johnson, global president of Ansible. “We created the NiroBot to be everywhere our customers are - in chat platforms - and allow them to have a natural conversation about the Niro enhanced throughout by multimedia such as videos, images, links and even the ability to register for a test drive.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the 2017 Kia Niro, give NiroBot a go by clicking here. Afterwards, be sure to stop in the showroom at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO to give the all-new Niro a test drive!

2017 Kia Sportage Named Kelly Blue Book "Best Buy Of The Year"

The Kia Sportage, Kia Motors America’s longest running nameplate, has been named Kelly Blue Book’s KBB.com Best Buy of the Year among small SUVs/crossovers. Following substantial yearlong data collection, which also included testing and evaluation, the Sportage was one of 12 winners out of the 300 total new-car models included in the process.

“The new-for-2017 Kia Sportage offers versatility, ease-of-use and laudable utility in a fun-to-drive package,” stated Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “Its value-price and the length of comprehensiveness of its warranty were also keys to its 2017 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award win in the red-hot Small SUV/Crossover category.”

The 2017 Kia Sportage was designed with flexibility in mind- with tons of safety features, innovative packaging, a turbocharged engine and a completely driver-friendly interior.

“The all-new 2017 Sportage has improved in all the right areas, from its expressive styling and functional interior to its refined performance,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “To be recognized by the experts at Kelley Blue Book as a Best Buy among some of the toughest competition demonstrates the all-new Sportage is a breed apart from the CUV segment.”

The 2017 Kia Sportage has also been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

These awards speak volumes and you can’t deny that you want to check out the 2017 Sportage for yourself… Visit us at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO- we’d love to help you find your next car!

Turn Up The Power With The 2017 Kia Soul Turbo

As if the 2017 Kia Soul wasn’t awesome enough, Kia Motors America decided to take it up a notch by adding a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine, which produces 40 more horsepower and 45 more lb.-ft. of torque. Pair this with the new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and alas, we have the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim.

“We wanted to provide loyal Soul lovers and new buyers a sportier option,” stated Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “The 2017 Soul Exclaim with its turbocharged engine gives the car’s fans another wonderful choice from an already wonderful line-up.”

The turbocharged engine offers 201-horsepower and has a fuel economy of 28 miles-per-gallon, city and highway combined. This is slightly better than the 2.0-liter 161-horsepower engine, which is found in the Soul Plus and the 1.6-liter 130 horsepower engine of the Soul Base.

The exterior features some sporty additions too, like exclusive 18-inch wheels, red-accented body trim, chrome grille surround, Soul tailgate badge and a dual chrome twin-tip exhaust. Inside, you will find pushbutton start with smart key, UVO with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Harman Kardon premium audio system with eight speakers, an 8-inch touchscreen display and even more.

Dying to give it a test drive? So are we. We’ll let you know when it arrives to Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO!

5 Tips To Get Your KIA Winter-Ready

As hard as it is to believe, it’s already November and winter is right around the corner! With the new season and change of weather ahead of us, it is essential to prepare our cars for the cold weather too. Winterizing your KIA will keep things running smoothly this season and could save your life! Check out the tips below:

1. Check Your Battery

If your battery is over three years old, be sure to have the Jim Butler Kia service department test its ability to hold a charge. If it is not three years old, it is still important to check that the battery’s posts and connections have no corrosion and that the battery has all of the water it needs.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure

As the weather has gotten cooler, it is likely that the air pressure in your tires has dropped. Tires must be inflated properly to ensure the best traction while driving- especially in wet and snowy conditions- so be sure to get your tires checked before the crazy weather kicks in!

3. Change Your Oil (With The Right Kind Of Oil)

With the change of climates and temperatures should come a change of your oil, too! The oil used in your vehicle during this time of the year should have the right thickness and viscosity so that it doesn’t get too thick...if it is too thick, it will fail to keep your engine lubricated properly.

4. Keep Your Windshield Clear
Has it been a year or more since you’ve replaced your windshield wiper blades? If so, you’re due for a new set! Additionally, be sure your windshield wiper reservoir is filled with washer fluid. Though water may do the trick in the summer, it will just freeze this time of the year so actual washer fluid is the way to go!

5. Prepare An Emergency Kit
Whether you’re going on a road trip or not, you never know what could happen! Having an emergency kit on hand will ensure your safety.. Just in case! Some things to include: a blanket, boots and gloves, a flashlight, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, flares, a bag of salt (or kitty litter) in case a tire is stuck in the snow, snacks and water and an extra set of warm clothes!

Lastly, always keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent it from freezing!

Our team at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, MO wants to make sure your car is prepared for the winter! Visit our website to check out our service specials and schedule your appointment today!

Jim Butler KIA To Host BBQ And Car Wash In Support Of Stray Rescue St. Louis

Jim Butler Kia, located in Chesterfield, MO will be hosting a BBQ and car wash this Saturday, November 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in support of Stray Rescue St. Louis. Barbecue will be served from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and the car wash will also take place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Proceeds from this event will go directly to Stray Rescue St. Louis, a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health and place them in loving adoptive homes. Almost all pets Stray Rescue St. Louis have helped were once abused and neglected.

Our team at Jim Butler Kia encourages the city of St. Louis to stop by the dealership on Saturday to get their car washed, eat some barbecue and have some fun- all for a great cause!

The dealership is located at 722 Long Road in Chesterfield, MO.

For more information about this event, go to Jim Butler Kia's Car Wash Event Page on Facebook and RSVP today!

Visit the Stray Rescue St. Louis website at http://www.strayrescue.org.

KIA Soul Named Active Lifestyle Vehicle Fifth Consecutive Year

Kia Motors America’s iconic Soul has been named a winner at the 13th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row. As the only annual awards program where outdoor enthusiasts, athletes and automotive media come together to pick the winners of these awards, it is especially unique and quite an honor.

“Winning the Active Lifestyle Vehicle award for the fifth consecutive year is a clear indication that the Soul makes a great companion for urbanites who are constantly on the go,” stated Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA. “Its unique combination of style, fun-to-drive attitude, extensive feature content, and practicality make the Soul a crowd favorite, while the Cadenza’s upscale design, ample interior, and advanced convenience features make it a fierce competitor in the full-size sedan segment.”

With design characteristics that stand out, a premium interior and a long list of standard and optional amenities, it is no wonder the 2016 Kia Soul is one of KMA’s best-selling nameplates. The brand will be taking the Soul even further in the 2017 model year with the addition of a turbocharged engine option.

“Buyers with active lifestyles have always been value focused. They need vehicles with the versatility to haul their gear, but want to have money left over to afford the new bicycle, kayak or skis they’ve been lusting after,” said Nina Russin, founder of the Active Lifestyle Vehicle program. “The Kia Soul won the urban category for the fifth consecutive year because it’s a stylish, affordable vehicle with a spacious cargo area and small footprint that functions well in congested city centers.”

Interested in checking one out for yourself? Come give the 2016 Kia Soul a test drive at Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield, MO!