KIA wants a roadster
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sIcKsCiOnS
Scion Evolution
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,011
From: Chicago, IL
KIA wants a roadster
come on now Scion -- if KIA is planning a sub-$20k roadster, why can't you? and make it RWD please...
KCVIII shown
Kia Considers Adding Inexpensive Roadster to U.S. Lineup
Date Posted 09-28-2005
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Peter Butterfield, president and CEO of Kia Motors America, is pushing the Korean manufacturer to add a stripped-down, sub-$20,000 two-seat convertible to its U.S. lineup to evoke a sporty brand image.
Butterfield told WardsAuto.com that the car would be "very, very stripped. No carpets; maybe rollup windows, if you had windows at all; really light; fun to drive; doesn't even have a radio; without an electric top." It would be a car that buyers could accessorize, he said.
Kia showed a small concept roadster, the KCV III, at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show.
Butterfield said no program to produce such a vehicle has been approved. But Kia has said it wants to double its U.S. portfolio to 12 vehicles by 2010.
What this means to you: Everybody wants brand recognition but so few have it. This is the key to Kia's success in the U.S.
Date Posted 09-28-2005
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Peter Butterfield, president and CEO of Kia Motors America, is pushing the Korean manufacturer to add a stripped-down, sub-$20,000 two-seat convertible to its U.S. lineup to evoke a sporty brand image.
Butterfield told WardsAuto.com that the car would be "very, very stripped. No carpets; maybe rollup windows, if you had windows at all; really light; fun to drive; doesn't even have a radio; without an electric top." It would be a car that buyers could accessorize, he said.
Kia showed a small concept roadster, the KCV III, at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show.
Butterfield said no program to produce such a vehicle has been approved. But Kia has said it wants to double its U.S. portfolio to 12 vehicles by 2010.
What this means to you: Everybody wants brand recognition but so few have it. This is the key to Kia's success in the U.S.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 62
From: Massillon, Ohio
That's true, it is very pimp. Not digging the rims too much, but still pimp IMO.
But.. Think about the Sky. It's pimp as well and its still a Saturn and I'd damn well drive the hell out of it and like it, too.
And one more thing.. Think about what Pontiac as done as a change. They finally realized that their Post-70's vehicles were not up to other car's standards, so they are finally coming back with some nice vehicles (GTO, Solstice, G6, Torrent). Maybe KIA is heading toward their change too...
But.. Think about the Sky. It's pimp as well and its still a Saturn and I'd damn well drive the hell out of it and like it, too.
And one more thing.. Think about what Pontiac as done as a change. They finally realized that their Post-70's vehicles were not up to other car's standards, so they are finally coming back with some nice vehicles (GTO, Solstice, G6, Torrent). Maybe KIA is heading toward their change too...
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Germantown, MD
They're going about it the wrong way. The thing comes with no radio, does it even have a spot for a radio, I'm sure it isn't wired for one. Scion starts with loaded cars and allows you to add from there, this car starts you with nothing and you add from there. So you spend $2K-3K for accessories just to bring it up to a level equal to standard Scion. Lame.
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From: New Jerusalem
Toyota just dropped the MR-2 in part due to poor sales. How much of a market is there for what is in effect a second car.....Miata, Solstice, Sky, Mini Cooper, New Beetle.....then you have the Sebring, Solara and G6 convertibles, which are slightly more practicle. Not to mention the Mustang...Volvo is coming out with one too.
Where does Kia (and Scion for that matter) fit in to all this?
Where does Kia (and Scion for that matter) fit in to all this?
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