Justin Johnson- Employee Spotlight

Justin Johnson is the Finance Manager at Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield. Justin has been working with Jim Butler for over three years and has been in the automotive industry for twelve. Family comes first for Justin, but when he’s not at work or spending time with his loved ones his favorite thing to do in St. Louis is attend a Cardinals game. When he’s not hanging with the family and the Cardinals are not playing Justin finds time to enjoy dirt biking, motorcycling, and hitting the links for some golf on the weekend.

            He enjoys watching sports such as NASCAR, and NFL Football with his favorite team being the Philadelphia Eagles. If Justin could have any car from the past it would be a Camaro RS/AS 399. If he could have any new car it would be the Corvette ZRL.

            

            Justin’s saying to live by? “If you can’t take it with you then you better enjoy it while you can”

Wise words Justin, wise words!

2011 KIA SPORTAGE NAMED "BEST NEW CROSSOVER VEHICLE" IN ABOUT.COM'S 2011 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

Kia's Compact CUV Honored by Consumers in Respected Online Resource's Poll (About.com)

• Award-winning Sportage chosen by the public as top pick in its segment
• Sportage offers a compelling and complete package with head-turning style, fun-to-drive performance and innovative features

IRVINE, Calif., March 17, 2011 - In addition to being named the "International Truck of the Year" by ICOTY jurors and a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV now has achieved "Best New Crossover Vehicle" in the 2011 Readers' Choice Awards by About.com. The annual awards, designed to showcase the very best products, services and features in multiple categories across the network, are based completely on votes submitted by consumers.

"Launched as part of Kia's ongoing design-led transformation, the 2011 Sportage continues Kia's commitment to offering consumers unmatched levels of styling, technology, performance and overall value," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The Sportage continues to add to its list of industry and consumer awards and accolades, and as the second Kia vehicle to offer a turbocharged engine in the U.S., we are confident consumer consideration for Sportage and the entire Kia line up will continue to grow."

All crossover vehicles, either mid-size or compact, with an enclosed cargo compartment and unibody construction in production for the 2010 or 2011 model year were eligible for the award. Other vehicle categories included "Best New SUV," "Best New Minivan," "Best Family Car," "Best Compact Car," "Best Car for Teens," "Best Car Under $16,000" and "Best New or Redesigned Car of 2011."

About the 2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Sportage CUV offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features. Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look. A "2010 Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection. The new Sportage SX, now available at retail showrooms1, features a powerful, efficient 2.0-liter, 256 horsepower Turbo GDI engine, unique exterior and interior features. Available in Base, LX, EX and the recently introduced SX trim, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,2952.

View Jim Butler Kia's Inventory of 2011 KIA Sportages!

[Source-KIA Media]

Kiplinger's Personal Finance names KIA Optima and Sportage "Best New Models"

Midsize Sedan and Compact CUV Recognized for Upscale Amenities and Stunning Design
-- All-new Optima sedan recognized for high residual value and refined features
-- Sportage CUV selected for standard safety features and fuel efficiency

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2011 -- Already the recipients of several awards and accolades, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Sportage were both honored recently as "Best New Model" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.  The Optima was named "Best New Car" in the $25,000-$30,000 category, while the Sportage was designated the "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossovers category.  In addition, Kia Motors' funky urban passenger vehicle, the 2011 Soul, received a "Worth a Look" mention in the cars under $20,000 category.

"Earning 'Best New Model' awards from Kiplinger's Personal Finance for both the 2011 Optima and Sportage, as well as the 'Worth a Look' honor for Soul, reinforces the tremendous impact Kia Motors' design led transformation has had on our brand and product lineup," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "With each new product launch Kia is adding world-class styling and emotion to our award-winning vehicles while remaining true to our core principles of design, quality, safety, technology, fuel efficiency and value."

Kiplinger's Personal Finance's annual Car Buying Guide recognizes vehicles in 11 categories, ranked by price, performance, safety, roominess and driving impressions.  Kia Motors' stylish and performance-oriented midsize sedan, the 2011 Optima, was selected as "Best New Car" in the $25,000 - $30,000 category for its stunning design, standard safety features, upscale amenities as well as its comfy, classy interior.  The Optima was also selected for providing consumers with a choice of three powerful and efficient powertrains, including the brand's first hybrid (available later this year).  Meanwhile, the 2011 Sportage compact CUV was selected "Best New Crossover" in the Small Crossover category for its sporty design and long list of standard convenience and safety features.  The Sportage was also selected for its combination of fun-to-drive performance and easy-on-the-wallet fuel economy.  In addition, the Soul's standout styling, interior space and overall value led to "Worth a Look" status in the cars under $20,000 category.

About the 2011 Kia Optima
Kia Motors' stylish midsize sedan advances the brand's design-led transformation with completely new and stunning design characteristics, highlighted by a dynamic and streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every angle.  The all-new Optima's three new powertrains – including the brand's first-ever turbo and hybrid engines (available later this year) in the U.S. – deliver a class leading combination of power(1) and fuel economy(2) while the sedan's spacious cabin is outfitted with the latest technology features and luxury amenities.  A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the 2011 Optima is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX(3), with a starting MSRP of $18,995.(4)
The 2011 Optima has earned numerous awards and accolades including a Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and Edmunds' InsideLine.com "Editors' Most Wanted(SM)" Award.  The 2011 Optima also had the highest increase in car shopper consideration following the Los Angeles Auto Show according to Edmunds.com.

About the 2011 Kia Sportage
The 2011 Sportage CUV offers image-, safety- and value-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features.  Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look.  A "2010 Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection.  Later this year, a new Sportage SX will arrive at retail showrooms featuring a powerful, efficient 2.0-liter, 256 horsepower Turbo GDI engine, unique exterior and interior features.  Available in Base, LX, EX and SX trims, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,295.(5)Kia Motors' compact CUV has earned numbers awards and accolades, including "International Truck of the Year" by ICOTY jurors, Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" designation and "Best Crossover" by Ruedas ESPN.

About the 2011 Soul
Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the dynamic compact CUV begins at $13,300 for the base trim, offering standard convenience features, including air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(6) and MP3 connectivity.

Soul has earned a trophy case full of prestigious awards and accolades since its launch, including earning a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS, being a recipient of the "Best Family Cars for 2010" designation by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, recognized as "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, and "Best New Car for Your Teen" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

Visit our Great Selection of 2011 KIA Vehicles NOW!

[Source: KIA Media]

2011 KIA Sportage gets a Turbo Engine Option!

AWARD WINNING 2011 SPORTAGE EXTENDS ITS PRODUCT OFFERING FEATURING SX TRIM WITH ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP ENGINE.

Sportage SX provides debut of 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) producing power of a V6, while achieving outstanding fuel economy of a four-cylinder.

2011 Sportage will offer UVO infotainment technology powered by Microsoft®
Sportage offers standard technological and safety features expected on vehicles priced much higher

The all-new, completely redesigned 2011 Sportage lineup will be extended in late spring at Jim Butler KIA's showroom with the arrival of the all-new SX trim that features the all-new 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) producing the power of a V6, while achieving the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. The Sportage SX also offers additional standard equipment and design that distinguishes the Sportage even further from any other vehicle in the segment or on the road.

The all new Sportage SX showcases Kia's remarkable styling, and offers enhanced driving performance, as well as an upscale and contemporary interior with an impressive array of standard technological features. "The addition of the SX package to the all-new 2011 Sportage further enhances our positive momentum on the vehicle while introducing a whole new dimension to both design and power including exception fuel economy", said Robert Staffieri, Marketing Director of Kia Canada Inc. "The Sportage SX completes our powertrain offering for the Sportage and the 2.0L Turbo GDI provides a high level of world-class technology."

Incorporating many of the key styling elements of the Kue concept, the Sportage proudly displays Kia's new signature design language, with dramatic swept back headlamps, signature family grille, and distinctive lower fascia treatment. The dynamically shaped hood, framed by a distinctive windshield design, adds to its bold flair.

SX Powertrain
The 2011 Sportage SX will offer the all-new 2.0L Turbo GDI engine which is a win / win / win technology that enhances power and fuel efficiency while at the same time reducing emissions. This is accomplished by injecting highly pressurized fuel directly into the cylinder (instead of intake tract) where a more complete combustion occurs resulting in the aforementioned benefits. A Twin-Scroll Turbocharger & Intercooler Turbocharging the 2.0L-T GDI greatly enhances power by forcing more air into the engine than would normally be possible. An intercooler cools the air for a denser, oxygen rich intake charge which results in even more power. The advanced 'Twin Scroll' turbo design greatly reduces turbo spool-up lag time and achieves a desirable early and flat torque curve. The introduction of the 2.0L Turbo GDI engine to the Kia lineup is extremely exciting and is intended to showcase Kia's dedication to developing and utilizing state-of-the-art technology in Kia's design-led vehicle evolution. Technology such as GDI and Turbo allow Kia to design vehicles that achieve top tier performance, produce fewer emissions and opens the door to extraordinary fuel economy numbers. These powertrains will be the staple to designing future vehicles that utilize this combination of impressive technology.

The Sportage SX will be coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission engineered and manufactured by Kia Motors which is one of the most compact and fuel efficient transmissions in the market today. This transmission boasts fully variable hydraulic line pressure control (improves fuel economy) and adaptive learning which actually 'learns' the driving style of the driver and custom tailors the shift points. In terms of durability, the new 6-speed automatic transmission adapts to normal internal wear by adjusting hydraulic pressure to maintain that 'like new' shift feeling throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. Also added is a new feature called 'Neutral Control (NC)' that effectively shifts the transmission into Neutral while stuck in traffic  that improves fuel economy. 'Neutral Control (NC)' works in conjunction with another feature called 'Hill Assist Control (HAC)' that prevents any rollback.

SX Standard Features
Building on the standard features found on the EX Luxury including Smart Key Push Button Start, Panoramic Sunroof, 18" Alloy wheels, Driver Ventilated Seat, UVO Infotainment System powered by Microsoft®, Premium Sound (7 speakers), Rear Spoiler, Deluxe Door Scuff, SX Leather Seating and Auto Dimming Mirror with Homelink.

UVO Infotainment System powered by Microsoft®
The 2011 Sportage SX will also include as a standard feature the UVO or "Your Voice" for short, infotainment system. UVO is an innovative and intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system that will also be available in select Kia vehicles starting this spring. UVO provides consumer friendly voice and touch-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation. Co-developed with Microsoft® and based on Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

Entire Sportage Trim Grades & Powertrains
The 2011 Sportage is offered in three trim grades: LX, EX and SX. The LX and EX trims are powered by the venerable 'Theta II Engine', a 176 horsepower, 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, delivering more horsepower than the previous 2.0L I4 and 2.7-liter V6 engines. The Sportage offers either a 6-speed manual transmission (base) or a full featured 6-speed automatic transmission (all trims other than base). Fuel economy improvements of up to 12% highway and 21% city have been achieved depending on equipment levels on the 2011 Sportage with the 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine versus the outgoing model.

Standard Features
LX models come standard with an extensive list of convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, heated front seats, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and keyless entry. Further increasing the level of refinement the EX models receive a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, and power driver's seat with lumbar support. Impressive technology features come standard on both trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service1. Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth®2 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Safety Features
Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, front active headrests, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) w/ Traction Control (TC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). The Sportage also features 'Roll Over Prevention (ROP)' which is a passive system that helps prevent rollover accidents related to speed. A new to Kia feature is 'Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)' that passively monitors wheel traction, steering angle and g-force to ensure the vehicle is driving in the intended path, and if not, will assist the driver by mildly operating the steering wheel in the appropriate direction (through electrical motor).

The Sportage has also introduced motor driven power steering (MDPS) to the Kia lineup resulting in improved fuel economy by using an electric power steering motor instead of loading the engine with a hydraulic power steering pump.

Visit Jim Butler KIA's Website NOW!!!

[Source: KIA Media]

2011 KIA Sportage get Top Safety Rating

2011 Kia Sportage Named '2010 Top Safety Pick' By Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

• All-New Compact CUV Receives Highest Recognition from IIHS -- Sportage receives top ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection -- CUV is fourth new generation Kia vehicle to be named "Top Safety Pick"

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining the 2010 Forte compact sedan, 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle and 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the all-new 2011 Sportage CUV has been recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the small SUV category when built after March 2010. Arriving in Kia showrooms now, Sportage received the organization's top honor by earning "Good" ratings -- the highest achievable -- in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests. The Sedona minivan was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS "Top Safety Pick," along with the "Safest Minivan Ever Tested" distinction from IIHS, shortly after its launch in 2006, and again in 2007, 2008 and 2009. "The Kia brand is committed to providing consumers with the highest levels of passenger safety by providing a comprehensive list of cutting-edge technologies and features for increased crash protection," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The 2011 Sportage's sleek and modern appearance continues Kia's design-led transformation while staying true to the company's core philosophy of providing consumers with exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles with high levels of value, quality and safety." Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for 2010 a good performance in a roof strength test -- to measure protection in a rollover -- also was required to win. Each vehicle's overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible. Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers significant braking power. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter locks the vehicle at a slow speed down steep grades so the driver can focus their attention on steering. To assist drivers when the vehicle is in reverse, an available back-up warning sensor helps the driver avoid contact with certain objects in the vehicle's path by triggering an audible warning when the vehicle approaches an obstruction, while an available rear-view back-up camera enables drivers to view certain items behind the vehicle. The 2011 Sportage, which utilizes a completely redesigned platform, comes standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), offering more power (176 hp) and better fuel economy (22/31) than the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine. Sportage also comes equipped with impressive standard technology features throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(1). Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth®(2) wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.

[source: KIA Motors America]

2011 Kia Sportage--Jim Butler KIA

This fall we are anticipating the arrival of two more great KIA vehicles, the All-New Sportage and Optima. The Sportage seems to be closer to it's debut at Jim Butler KIA with general base model pricing being released last week. The 2011 KIA Sportage is drastically different than it's predecessor.

It has an aggressive design that makes the redesigned 2011 much more aerodynamic, sleek and bold. The versatility of the vehicle remains the same, very practical with the enhanced technology that KIA is pretty much implementing into every vehicle that they are coming out with. The value packed CUV (Cross-over Utility Vehicle), has similar offerings to the Sorento; panoramic sunroof, navigation, push-button start, rear-camera display, LED daytime running lights, assorted voice & touch activated controls, and an air-cooled driver's seat. In late 2010 we should also see UVO by Microsoft, an in-vehicle communication and entertainment system that is much like Ford's "Sync". UVO will allow you to access music files, respond to SMS messages, and much more.

Engines and Efficiency

The all-new exterior design displays noticeable body line changes that obviously decrease aerodynamic drag and that helps the ultimate goal of creating sleek, functional, and fuel efficient vehicles. Let's take a look at the engine options, standard all-new 2.4 liter 176hp 4 cyl. which has improved fuel economy and the same horsepower as the prior models' 2.7 ltr V-6. Want more? KIA is producing a more powerful and more efficient 2.0 ltr turbocharged 4cyl that delivers V-6 power and 270 hp which will be available in the 2011 model year.

The Sportage offers front-wheel drive or the NEW Dynamax AWD system. Dynamax delivers 100 percent of the vehicles power to the front wheels during normal driving conditions, but is continuously monitoring driving conditions in anticipation of AWD requirements. The continuous monitoring is what differentiates this AWD system from the competition. It is anticipating the changes in driving conditions, grip at all four wheels, and potential under/oversteer. The final result is a safer driving experience in all conditions.

Suspension

With a longer wheelbase, lowered stance, wider stance and a hydro-formed lightweight sub-frame combined with independent suspension on all four corners, the 2011 KIA Sportage will drastically outperform the previous model. The all-new Sportage has been designed to deliver a quieter ride as well by using more high-tensile strength steel.

Safety Features

Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers significant braking power. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter locks the vehicle at a slow speed down steep grades so the driver can focus their attention on steering.

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[Source: Autoblog, KIA Motors]