Kia Takes A Leap Into Next Generation With Worldwide GT Models

Though typically known for their family-oriented model lineup, Kia is planning to take a leap into the next generation with slightly more aggressive and sporty GT versions of their mainstream vehicles. The company’s first GT model- the ProCeed GT- was sold exclusively in Europe in 2013, so those of us in the U.S. (and especially at Jim Butler Kia) are looking forward to this next line being sold globally.

Though GT is not a perfect fit for all Kia models, it will be for the Kia Optima. This Optima GT will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 242 horsepower. Additionally, it’s looking like a GT version of the Rio will be available, packing a three-cylinder turbocharged engine and rivaling the Ford Fiesta ST. Contrary to the Hyundai N division cars, these GT models are not built for the track. The main goal, according to performance boss, Albert Biermann, is to build cars that “drive as well as they look.”
Selling more than 626,000 vehicles in the U.S. just last year, Kia hopes to boost sales even further with the introduction of these GT models.

St. Louis Kia fans- get ready!

KIA Motors Experiences All-Time Sales High In Certified Pre-Owned Segment

Just this past June, KIA Motors was recognized by J.D. Power as the highest scoring nameplate of all 33 makes in the U.S. in the 2016 Initial Quality Study and in July, the company saw record-setting new-vehicle sales. This success has now been carried to pre-owned vehicles, as KIA Motors has experienced an all-time sales high in the Certified Pre-Owned segment over the summer of 2016.

Following an all-time high in June, a retail sales report by Autodata shows that Kia held a market share of three percent in Certified Pre-Owned sales in July- making this their second-strongest month in CPO sales ever. It is predicted that this trend isn’t slowing down either- in 2015, about 2.6 million CPO vehicles (across all brands) were sold and many are expecting these sales to hit nearly four million by the end of the decade.

Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst at AutoTrader stated “With household budgets squeezed, CPO vehicles represent a great opportunity for consumers, especially Kia customers who place such emphasis on affordability and value.”

To be considered as a Certified Pre-Owned, KMA requires the vehicle to be five years or newer with less than 60,000 miles. Additionally, the vehicle must pass a 150-point Quality Assurance inspection by a certified Kia technician.

Check out Kia pre-owned vehicles for yourself on our website or stop in and see us at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO!

Kia Offers UVO Upgrade To Late Model Year Vehicles

Kia Motors America is driven to provide customer satisfaction and they surely don’t fall short. The company recently announced they will be enabling owners of late model year vehicles- equipped with the UVO platform- to upgrade to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Eligible owners of these certain vehicles will have access to this free software update at the end of this month at www.myuvo.com. These vehicles include:

• Kia Forte (MY17)
• Kia Soul (MY14-16)
• Kia Soul EV (MY15-16)
• Kia Optima (MY15-16) 
• Kia Optima Hybrid (MY15-16)
• Kia Sedona (MY15-16)
• Kia Sorento (MY16)
• Kia Sportage (MY17)

Through Apple CarPlay, users have the ability to access the iPhone interface through the UVO infotainment system. Drivers can make phone calls, send and receive texts, utilize Siri voice control and get directions all while staying focused on the road. Similarly, Android Auto connects the user’s device- providing access to apps such as voice-guided Google Maps navigation, hands-free phone calls and text messaging, voice recognition and Google Play Music.

Managing Director Connected & Mobility Services, KMA, Henry Bzeih stated “With the advanced growth of telematics and infotainment systems, Kia is excited to offer to more of our customers the opportunity to have the latest software update for their vehicle free of charge via myuvo.com. Providing CarPlay and Android Auto to a greater number of vehicles in our lineup will revitalize our current owners’ systems with an additional element of convenience while maximizing the benefits of connectivity.”

As mentioned earlier, Kia Motors America is focused on customer satisfaction, just as Kia drivers should be focused on the road. This update ensures that. Call Jim Butler Kia if you have any questions and don’t hesitate to stop in to check out our lineup!

2017 KIA Sorento Earns Top Safety Pick Status From IIHS

The 2017 Kia Sorento has earned “Good” ratings in multiple crash tests and high scores for its optional front crash prevention system- earning itself a Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The vehicle earned these ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.

The Sorento’s new automatic braking system passed with flying colors, avoiding collisions in the 12 mph and 25 mph tests and earning a “Superior” rating by the IIHS. This system meets the criteria of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Orth Hedrick of Kia Motors America stated “These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-steel strength. We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products.”

Kia Motors continues to remold the Sorento to be the best family crossover in the St. Louis car market. Stop by Jim Butler Kia in the meantime to check it out for yourself!

KIA Motors America Sells All-Time High in May 2015

More than 60,000 vehicles sold across America last month; Jim Butler KIA would like to thank its KIA customers

KIA is gaining popularity quickly as KIA Motors America announced its all-time sales record for a single month with 62,433 for May 2015. This isn’t just a record for the month of May, though — that’s for KIA’s history of selling vehicles in the United States!

Jim Butler KIA would like to thank its customers who purchased a new KIA last month. Without the sales from Chesterfield Valley, St. Charles, Creve Coeur and the entire St. Louis area, KIA would not have numbers like this. When KIA Motors America performs well, it’s a reflection on Jim Butler KIA and vice versa.

KIA’s Top 3 vehicles for May 2015 were the outstanding Optima, the stylish Soul and the strong Sorento, respectively. All three of these vehicles are on pace to sell more than 100,000 country-wide each for 2015, and all three of these excellent vehicles are available at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley!



Great lease and financing deals are available at Jim Butler KIA! Right now, the Summer’s on Us sales event offers St. Louis KIA Optima, Sedona and Forte fans quite a treat. Purchase one of these three vehicles new and finance through KMF at 0 percent for 66 months, and Jim Butler KIA will make your first three payments! That’s right; your summer’s payments are on us!

With numbers like these, it’s time to check out what the KIA Butler can do for you! Thanks once again to all our new and loyal St. Louis KIA customers! We couldn’t do this alone. Here’s to an even bigger June!

To learn more about the award-winning KIAs, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out these fantastic vehicles in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your KIA purchases with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

Search our new St. Louis KIA inventory!

Kia Achieves Highest Total Quality Score

There's a reason the Kia Optima and Kia Soul are two of our most popular vehicles here at Jim Butler Kia - quality. The design, the handling and the safety of the Optima and the Soul are second to none.

Turns out everyone else is picking up on that fact, too.

The 2014 Kia Optima and 2014 Kia Soul recently earned top marks in Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index Study. Kia puts a lot of pride into its well-built cars, so obtaining the highest Total Quality score of all mainstream brands is an achievement to celebrate. Moreover, the Soul captured the best score in the small multi-function car segment for the second year in a row.

“Kia has always embraced its challenger spirit with products that disrupt their segment by offering head-turning design elements, premium features and cutting-edge technology, all at an outstanding value,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA.  “The results of Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index Study are tangible evidence of the progress Kia has made through our long-term strategy to strengthen the brand, concentrate on quality and elevate the ownership experience for Kia buyers.”

We appreciate when car experts talk about Kia's special features and design highlights, but the Total Quality awards are special because they're influenced by real car buyers themselves. Strategic Vision surveyed more than 38,000 new car owners to measure reliability, vehicle problems, driving excitement and other emotional measures involved in the ownership experience. 

Find out for yourself why so many car buyers are enjoying Kia, and test drive the Optima and Soul at Jim Butler Kia today.