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Every first Friday of October, the United States celebrates National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). This event, started by the Manufacturing Institute, highlights manufacturing's economic importance and showcases career opportunities. For the auto industry, MFG Day is a chance to recognize its contributions and anticipate future innovations. The Importance of MFG Day MFG Day is not just a one-day event; it kicks off a month-long celebration of Manufacturing Month. Thousands of companies and educational institutions open their doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders. The aim? To educate the public about the realities of modern manufacturing and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in this vital sector. In the context of the auto industry, MFG Day is particularly significant. American manufacturers have been at the forefront of technical development for over two centuries, and the automotive sector has played a crucial role in this legacy. From the assembly lines of the past to today's cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) production, the auto industry exemplifies American innovation and resilience. The State of the Automotive Industry The automotive industry is a powerhouse of economic activity and innovation. By 2030, it's anticipated that the automotive industry will achieve nearly $9 trillion in revenue and sales. In 2020, the U.S. Motor Vehicle and Retail Parts trade revenue was $1.25 trillion. The United States produced 8.8 million vehicles in 2020, which was 19% less than in 2019. In 2021, nearly 15 million vehicles were sold across the United States. The global automotive manufacturing market was valued at more than $2.8 trillion USD in 2021. The automotive industry employs more than 1.7 million people in the U.S. alone, with roles ranging from design and engineering to supply chain management and sales. Highlighting Key Trends in Auto Manufacturing This year's MFG Day comes at a pivotal time for the auto industry, as it embraces significant trends and shifts: 1. Electric Vehicles (EVs) The push towards electric vehicles is one of the most profound changes in the auto industry. By 2030, it's estimated that 26% of net car sales will be electric vehicles, with 58 million new self-driving cars hitting the roads. President Biden's Investing in America agenda underscores this shift, with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announcing $1.7 billion to support the conversion of 11 shuttered or at-risk auto manufacturing and assembly facilities across eight states to manufacture electric vehicles and their supply chain. 2. Workforce Development One of the most exciting aspects of MFG Day is the focus on career opportunities in manufacturing. The auto industry offers a wide range of high-paying jobs, yet there's a significant gender disparity, with only 15% of production workers being women. Efforts are underway to diversify the workforce and promote equal employment opportunities, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute to this dynamic industry. 3. Sustainable Manufacturing Sustainability is at the forefront of modern manufacturing. The Domestic Manufacturing Auto Conversion Grants program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to expand the production of efficient hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid, plug-in electric drive, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. This initiative aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40% of the benefits of federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. 4. Community and Economic Revitalization The conversion of auto manufacturing facilities supports American workers and revitalizes communities that have long been the backbone of the U.S. economy. These investments not only create thousands of new jobs but also help retain highly skilled union workers, supporting the great comeback story of American manufacturing. Celebrate American Manufacturing If you're passionate about the auto industry and want to see firsthand how modern manufacturing is shaping the future, we encourage you to participate in MFG Day events. Whether you're a student exploring career options, a parent supporting your child's interests, or an educator looking to inspire your students, there's something for everyone. Join the celebration and learn all about the American manufacturing industry. Together, we can drive the future of the auto industry in the United States and ensure its continued success for generations to come. Take advantage of the best to come out of the American auto industry at Casa Kia by test-driving our many Kia vehicles like the brand new 2025 Kia K5, manufactured right here in the United States. We look forward to seeing you at our dealership!

The spring semester is creeping up on us. Is your child driving back to college on her own?  You need to make sure the car is ready for the journey. The Integrity Kia service team can get your kid’s college car ready for the spring semester without costing you an arm and a leg. 5 Car Maintenance Steps for a Safe Semester Before the car heads back to campus, allow us to perform a few maintenance tasks that will keep your child safe, allow the car to run better, and will save you money in the long run, because college is painfully expensive as it is. Check the tire tread, condition and air pressure. We will rotate and/or replace the tires if necessary. Check all the fluids and change the oil. Inspect the battery life, health and charge. Complete a thorough inspection of the electrical system and powertrain. Hook up the car to the diagnostic machine to look for any lurking concerns. 5 Things Your Kid Needs in the Car Preparing your college kid’s car goes beyond bringing it into the shop. You need to make sure your college kid has all he/she needs when driving and when away at school. First Aid Kit and an emergency roadside kit. The kit should have flares, flashlight, tire-changing equipment, tire gauge and jumper cables. Emergency phone numbers. Roadside assistance card, current insurance id cards and registration. Car fluids: quart of oil, windshield wiper fluid, gallon of water, and coolant. Car charger for phone in case of emergencies. It is also a good idea for you as a parent to talk to your cell phone provider about ways to block calls while your child is driving and to track the phone in case you cannot get a hold of your son or daughter.

If you did not have a budget, your family would be in dire straits. You are the master of the lists, the deals and the money. So what if we told you that we have a vehicle that fits right in to your budget without throwing everything else off? It’s true; the 2016 Kia Sedona is one of the most stylish minivans in its class and it is the most affordable. 2015 KIA Sedona Let Your Wallet Rejoice The starting MSRP for the Kia Sedona minivans on the lot is $28,590, but you are a large family and you need every penny. How about a $1,000 rebate? That’s the best coupon you have found all year. Now, the starting MSRP for the Kia Sedona kicks off at $28,590. As you upgrade the trim level, the price still remains under $35K for the Kia Sedona EX. Yeah, But it’s a Van And your point is? Come on, admit it; vans have come a long way. Now they are more like family limos. The Kia Sedona is loaded with comfort features, entertainment equipment, and convenience devices. Not to mention that the cargo area is large enough for equipment bags and the family dog. When Kia designed the new Sedona, it did so with your busy family in mind, so the company loaded the family ride with: Adjustable seats Ample seating A 6-speaker audio system with color touchscreen display Folding third-row seating Rear-view camera Comprehensive safety system The IIHS just announced that the Sedona earned a 2016 Top Safety Pick Award.

When you’re shopping for a new ride, seeing what consumers have to say can definitely be a very valuable tool for you. There really is no better way to hear about a vehicle than from someone who actually owns it and drives it every day. Take a look at what consumers have to say about the 2016 Kia Sorento. Consumer Reviews Consumers are saying that the 2016 Kia Sorento is bigger and better than ever for 2016. This mid-size crossover is full of style and sophistication. It has user-friendly controls, versatile seating with plenty of leg room, and ample features all around. It is gas worthy and has excellent safety ratings. It is comfortable, quiet, and reliable. Favorite Features Some of the favorite exterior features in the 2016 Kia Sorento include its roof spoiler and black bumpers. It has 17” x 7.0” alloy wheels and 235/65-17 all-season tires. The inside of this beauty has premium cloth/velour upholstery, bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, and 40/20/40 seats for the rear passengers. AM/FM/satellite radio CD player Six speakers Roof antenna Cruise control Trip computer Remote power locks Tilt telescoping steering wheel Anti-theft protection Anti-lock brake system It has front and rear airbag protection, including intelligent driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbag. The front seat belts have both height adjusters and pre-tensioners, and the rear seat belts have a 3-point belt in the center.

Sometimes no matter how good of a driver you are, car accidents are just completely unavoidable. You may just find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you do happen to find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it definitely helps a ton if you know what to do afterwards. Stay Safe Staying safe is most important. If you are hurt, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If anybody else involved in the accident is hurt, get them help right away as well. Try to get your vehicle into a safe location. If you are in the middle of the road or blocking traffic, try to move over to the side of the road if you can. If you can’t move, stay inside of your vehicle and stay buckled in. Gather Information No matter how big or small an accident is it needs to be reported. You will need to call the authorities and stay put until they arrive. You must talk to everybody that was involved in the accident and exchange information with them. This would include name, phone number, address, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses present try to get their information as well. Take pictures of the accident if you are able to. After everything is all said and done at the scene of the accident you will need to report the accident to your insurance company. It is then that you will need to decide who is at fault.

The 2015 Kia Soul+ is a hip and funky looking wagon with an unmistakeable style and offbeat available colors. The inside is spacious and ideal for tall passengers. Enjoy all the features that come standard in the Soul+ trim. Under the Hood of the 2015 Kia Soul+ The 2015 Kia Soul+ gets a more powerful engine than the base model and steps up to a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that can make 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available is a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy stands at an impressive 26 miles per gallon combined city and highway driving. If you opt for the available Eco package, that number increases to 27 mpg combined. Standard Features of the 2015 Kia Soul+ Storage space is abundant in the boxy Soul+ wagon. Behind the 60/40-split rear seats is 19 cubic feet of storage space. Fold them down and that number expands to a huge 61 cubes. Standard interior features of the 2015 Soul+ include: 12-volt power outlet Upgraded cloth upholstery Cruise control Cargo cover Center front seat armrest with storage Rear-seat fold-down armrest CD player Height-adjustable driver seat Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with mounted audio controls Air-conditioning Six-speaker audio system Auxiliary audio jack Bluetooth phone and audio functions 3-mode driver-selectable steering settings iPod/USB interface Exterior Features The outside of the snazzy 2015 Soul+ includes Keyless entry 17-inch alloy wheels Roof rack mounting points Rear privacy glass Stop in to Integrity Kia and test-drive the fun 2015 Kia Soul+ today! Our friendly and knowledgeable team members will be glad to assist you and answer any questions you may have about the 2015 Kia Soul+ or any other new or pre-owned vehicles on our lot.

Small hatchbacks are excellent choices for those who do not need a large vehicle. The 2015 Kia Rio LX is a great hatchback that is full of top-of-the-line features, has strong acceleration and looks stylish. Stop in to Integrity Kia and take the 2015 Rio LX for a test-drive today! Under the Hood of the 2015 Kia Rio LX The 2015 Kia Rio LX comes stocked with a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter engine that can produce up to 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. The LX gets a six-speed manual transmission for a sportier feel. If you prefer, there is an optional six-speed automatic transmission available. Either transmission help the Rio return an impressive 31 miles per gallon combined city and highway driving. Standard Features of the 2015 Kia Rio LX Even though the Rio is a smaller car, there is plenty of interior space. Behind the rear seats is 14.9 cubic feet to store your cargo. Fold them down and the hatchback has 49.8 cubic feet of storage space, which is a great number for this class of vehicle. The LX is the base trim, but it comes stocked with tons of great features to enhance your ride. The exterior gets 15-inch steel wheels and power heated exterior mirrors. Interior features include: 4-speaker audio system Air-conditioning Height-adjustable driver seat CD player Tilt steering wheel USB audio jack Satellite radio Auxiliary audio jack 60/40-split folding rear seat If you want to add more to the LX, there is the optional Power package that tacks on keyless entry, power locks and windows. This package does require an automatic transmission. Safety Features Standard equipment for safety in the 2015 Rio LX includes: Stability control Four-wheel antilock disc brakes Side front airbags Hill start assist Side curtain full-length airbags Contact us if you have any questions about the 2015 Kia Rio LX!

The all-new 2016 Kia Sportage is a stylish SUV with a powerful engine and sporty handling. The SX trim comes stocked with top-of-of-the-line standard features that will make the Sportage even more fun to drive. Stop in and be the first of your friends to drive a 2016 Kia Sportage SX. Performance and Power of the 2016 Kia Sportage SX The 2016 Kia Sportage SX runs on a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes 260 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard along with front-wheel-drive. All-wheel-drive is optional for those who want more traction. The SX with FWD will go from 0-60 in a fast 6.5 seconds, while AWD takes slightly longer at 7.3 seconds. Fuel economy stands at 22 miles per gallon combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD. Standard Exterior Features of the Sportage SX The SX trim of the 2016 Sportage is sportier than the other trims. The exterior comes equipped with a uniquely designed front grille, trim-specific 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust outlets, aluminum scuff plates, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and a panoramic sunroof. Additional exterior features include fog lights and heated power-folding exterior mirrors. Inside the 2016 Sportage SX Behind the rear, 60/40-split folding seats, you get 26.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold them down and the number more than doubles o 54.6 cubes. Store even more in the divided organizer beneath the cargo floor. Standard interior features include: 6-speaker audio system 7-inch color touchscreen display with voice commands Navigation Rearview camera Trip computer Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel Dual-zone automatic climate control Stop in to find out even more about the 2016 Kia Sportage SX!

28The 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid is a car that will do wonders for the environment and your wallet. Not only is it efficient and functional, the Optima Hybrid is a very attractive and stylish vehicle. Come to Grand West Kia and take a 2015 Optima Hybrid EX for a test-drive and see what a great car it is for yourself! What Makes the 2015 Optima Hybrid EX Go? The 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid runs on a 4-cylinder 2.4-liter gasoline engine that works in tandem with an electric motor and an automatic six-speed transmission. When combined, the maximum output is 199 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The Optima Hybrid EX earns 37 miles per gallon combined city and highway driving. Exterior Features of the 2015 Optima Hybrid EX When you opt for the EX trim, you will receive luxurious upgrades, inside and out. Standard exterior upgrades include xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding heated exterior mirrors and LED foglights. The EX also comes with keyless entry and ignition and a 10.8 cubic foot trunk. Inside the 2015 Optima Hybrid EX Interior upgrades to the 2015 Optima Hybrid EX include an electronic parking brake, 8-inch touchscreen display, navigation system, rear climate vents, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 4-way power passenger seat, heated tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, leather upholstery, 8-speaker Infinity audio system, driver memory settings, heated rear seats, ventilated and heated front seats and HD radio. Additional interior features include: Automatic dual-zone climate control Satellite radio Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity Cruise control Power lumbar adjustment for the driver seat Rearview camera Laminated windshield and front windows for a quieter cabin Stop in and take the 2015 Optima Hybrid for a test-drive!

Shopping for and finding the best used cars in El Paso means spending some time conducting research and making a list of those features and options you desired the most. The best place to start is by making a list of the brands you are considering and the specific models. Do you want a car, truck, SUV, or crossover model? Once you have determined the type of vehicle you want, write down a list of features and options you want, and break these down into two categories: must-have and optional. Additionally, take the time to consider each of the following: Differences in Body Styles Do you want a two-door or four-door model? The main consideration is whether you need easy access to the back seat and the actual size of the back seat area. Normally in two-door models the back seats are much smaller. Car insurance rates tend to be slightly higher on two-door models than four-door models. Differences in Engines Engine sizes vary from small four-cylinder engines to large eight-cylinder engines. The size of the engine determines the amount of horsepower it can generate, which translates to the amount of time needed to accelerate from a stop to the speed limit. Bigger engines tend to accelerate quickly. However, the drawback is that large engines increase the weight of the vehicle and lower fuel efficiency. Fuel Efficiency How far do you want to be able to drive in between fill-ups? If you drive an excessive amount, you should consider used vehicles with higher fuel efficiency ratings, like hybrid and electric models. If there is only a few miles difference in ratings between the models you are evaluating, then fuel efficiency is not as much of a concern. Safety Ratings You should look at the safety ratings on the vehicles you are considering. Safety ratings will let you know how the car performed during crash tests, and the risks for roll overs. If you have children, you probably want to look at a vehicle with higher safety ratings. Price Differences Differences in prices between similar models can influence your decision. Is it really worth paying several hundred dollars more for a single feature? When it comes down to it, ask yourself if the feature is a must-have or something you can do without, especially if you are on a tight budget and want the lowest car payments possible. Once you have conducted your research, the next step is to visit car dealers in El Paso and shop their used car inventories. It is highly recommended to test drive any vehicle you are considering purchasing. Depending on the age of the vehicle, you might want to take it to your mechanic and have them inspect the engine and related systems to ensure they are in decent condition. For sales-pressure free, friendly assistance in finding your next used car, feel free to stop by Integrity Kia or call us at 915-856-2982.

Get out of the city and head up the mountains. We may be in Texas, but we still get to experience all the fun and colors fall has to offer. If you stay in state, head up North, or take a leaf-peeping tour out of state, you need a spacious AWD vehicle for the ride. 2016 Kia Sorento There are many things we love about the reliable and durable Kia Sorento. It is loaded with the creature comforts you desire, the capable all-wheel-drive drivetrain you crave, and the safety you expect. In 2015, the IIHS awarded the 2016 Kia Sorento with a 2015 Top Safety Pick Award. The Kia Sorento is the ideal ride for your leaf-peeping adventure and every other adventure you seek. Under the hood are a few options: 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces 185 hp; a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 240 hp; and a 3.3-liter V6 that creates 290 hp. The Kia Sorento has third-row seating, UVO eServices, roof rails, rearview camera, and a cargo area that provides up to 38 cubic feet of cargo accommodations. 2015 Kia Sportage The 2015 Kia Sportage earned good ratings in four out of five tests conducted by the IIHS. The Kia Sportage LX has a price set at $25,300 after the $1,000 rebate. To help you drive further, Kia equipped the Sportage with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine with an automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The horsepower rating is 182 hp with 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated fuel economy rating is 19/26 mpg. Kia equipped the Sportage LX with a 6-speaker stereo system, climate controls, easy-to-clean cloth upholstery, CD player, and satellite radio.

A few decades ago, a vehicle with 100,000 miles was ready for the scrap yard and was well past its useful life. Today, the average life spans of cars are increasing, thanks to improvements in equipment and parts technologies. It is not uncommon, or unheard of, to get 200,000 or even 300,000 miles out of a vehicle before it is replaced. For those people who purchase cars form El Paso car lots, this means they are able to keep their cars even longer. With the increase in vehicle life spans, it is essential to properly care for the vehicle by washing, waxing, and detailing it on a regular basis, to ensure that the car’s interior and exterior last just as long as the engine and transmission. Investing the time to protect your vehicle and maintain its appearance has its rewards later, with a higher trade-in value, when you are ready to trade in your car for a new vehicle at your Kia dealer or other dealership. Perform all detailing work in the shade. Direct sunlight leaves soap and water streaks and spots on the car’s finish. Plus, the shade helps keep you cooler while vacuuming and cleaning the car’s interior. Clean and vacuum the interior. Use a UV protectant to dust the dashboard, doors, and leather seats first, and then vacuum. Use approved materials for washing, drying, and waxing the car. There are special soft towels that will not scratch the finish on the vehicle. Only use products designed for your car. Never use dish soap, laundry detergent, or other common household cleaning products. The only exception is glass cleaner. From car wash soaps to leather protectants, there are numerous products designed for the harsh conditions vehicles are exposed to year round to help protect their exteriors and interiors. Always wet the vehicle down before washing. Take the time to wet down the vehicle to loosen dust, bugs, and other debris before washing it. Wash from the bottom of the vehicle upwards. Start with the tires and wheel wells, and wash these first. It is okay to wash one tire, and rinse it before moving on to the next. After you are done with the tires, wet down the car a second time if the water has evaporated. Use a soft bristle toothbrush. This helps remove dirt, bugs, and debris from small cracks and crevices. Dry the vehicle off before waxing. The car needs to be completely dry before applying most wax products. Be careful to not wax plastic parts. Many exterior pieces may look like they are metal, like bumpers, and, unless the wax specifically says it is safe for plastic, you should avoid getting wax onto plastic parts. Clean windows. Do this last. Use a carpet shampooer. Use this to clean the carpeting and upholstery in the vehicle at least once a year. By taking the time to wash, wax, and detail your car on a regular basis, you maintain its appearance, and you are able to get a better trade-in value, once you get ready for your next new car. Feel free to use Integrity Kia’s professional car detailing service if you find yourself too busy to do the work yourself. Stop by or phone 915-856-2982 today to learn more.