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Kia Unveils New Electric Vehicle, Hybrid at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show

MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact:
Mark Bilek
Director of Communications and Technology
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6082
Cell: (847) 652-0632
Email: mbilek@drivechicago.com

Contact: Jennifer Morand
Senior Public Relations and Social Media Manager
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6084
Cell: (630) 391-1986
Email: jmorand@drivechicago.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2015 Soul EV and 2014 Optima Hybrid Unveiled

CHICAGO (February 6, 2014) – Kia introduced a trio of new vehicles this morning during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview. The new line-up includes the 2015 Soul EV and the 2014 Optima Hybrid. Also making an appearance was the Niro Hybrid concept car. 

“Kia is changing the tune,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications of Kia Motors America. He says the new features will be music to your ears.

The all-new 2015 Soul EV can recharge in 33 minutes on a DC fast-charger and was designed for the global market. It is the first all-electric car Kia has introduced in the United States. The new Soul EV features LED lights in the interior, friction reducing tires, navigation, hands-free technology and a back-up camera. Other features include activation heating and cooling from a remote location on a smartphone. The electric motor provides 109 horsepower. Pricing and official launch of the 2015 Kia Soul EV will be released later this year.

Kia also introduced the all-new 2014 Optima Hybrid that delivers a harmonious blend of European influences. This sedan was designed for the eco-friendly market in mind. The 2014 Optima Hybrid features a fresh new look with more aerodynamic qualities; useable trunk space, LED lighting and can get up to 38 mpg. This car has 199 horsepower and is updated to the touchscreen infotainment system. The 2014 Optima Hybrid is expected to go on sale within the next few weeks.

“Opening people’s minds is what we do at Kia,” said Sprague.

To watch complete coverage of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview press conferences, please visit http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chicago-auto-show-2011. The manufacturer press conferences are also available at www.youtube.com/chicagoautoshow. For more information about the Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2014 public show will be February 8-17. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow. Media can register for the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview at chicagoautoshow.com/media/.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ nearly 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, visit CATA.info.

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