Next Level Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating for all-new KIA Sorento

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• KIA’;s all-new Sorento CUV earns NHTSA’;s highest rating^*


• Sorento’;s extensive use of advanced high strength steel makes KIA’;s largest CUV stiffer and more durable than ever


• New Sorento combines a strong base with additional design improvements to reduce NVH and provide a comfortable and quiet interior environment

(SEOUL) April 24, 2015 - The all-new KIA Sorento CUV has received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’;s (NHTSA) 5-star overall safety rating in the U.S.A. Built in the U.S. at KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG)^**, Sorento is KIA Motors America’;s best-selling CUV, having sold more than 100 000 units each of the past 5 years, and offers a long list of standard safety features and an expertly engineered body structure.

“NHTSA’;s recent 5-star rating of the Sorento is a testament to KIA’;s commitment to safety.  The Sorento is KIA’;s most capable CUV ever, yet still offers customers the tremendous value Kia is known for,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning.  “Meant for customers with active lifestyles, Sorento is the perfect getaway vehicle for adventurers and families on the go, and they can feel confident knowing their vehicle scored a 5-star NHTSA rating – the highest rating achievable from NHTSA.”

The core of the all-new Sorento is its significantly enhanced platform. The structure increases torsional rigidity by 14% over the previous generation Sorento. The unit-body consists of 53% Advanced High Strength Steel, a 115% increase over the previous model.  Liberal application of industrial strength adhesives, the use of dual-seal lip joints as well as large diameter and laser welding techniques combine to make the new model the most robust and durable Sorento ever.

Additional Notes:

* Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’;s (NHTSA’;s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).

** The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) for the U.S. market are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. For most other markets, the Sorento is manufactured in South Korea at the Hwasung Plant.

Next Level Safety: 5-star NHTSA rating for all-new KIA Sorento

Organization Credit Card Rewards- Star Rating

Every person likes to be rewarded, and that includes organization owners. The credit card rewards industry is common and continues to grow, with a couple of new rewards programs getting into CANSTAR’s rating this year.

General there are lots of motives for companies to partake in rewards applications: they’re a chance to turn the dreaded costs method into a excellent point for a commence! Rewards on provide incorporate frequent flyer points, handing the organization a cash-saving on business travel, as well as straight cash back rewards that can assist cashflow by merely saving businesses cash.

Not all organizations will benefit from a organization credit card rewards plan, of course. Smaller organizations with decrease annual spending habits could effectively profit from decrease credit card interest rates, for example, rather than a rewards program. So too could organizations that don’t spend off their credit card balance in complete every month. For all other people though, credit card rewards can offer anything for (almost) absolutely nothing.

This year we have rated 33 credit card rewards applications from 10 providers to determine which ones offer outstanding value for firms. This study has been completed across 3 separate business spending levels, becoming $ 60,000 per annum, $ 120,000 per annum and $ 250,000 per annum. The good news is that there are a number of rewards programs supplying outstanding value at each and every level.

Organization Credit Card Rewards- Star Rating

How to improve your credit rating

Now that Australia has optimistic credit reporting by way of Extensive Credit Reporting (CCR), it’s a good notion to know how to increase your own credit rating, and put this understanding into practice. Right here are some basic suggestions to support keep your credit rating desirable to prospective lenders.

1. Spend off any outstanding debts – If you have got outstanding credit card payments, or outstanding debt of any type, spend it off very first point. If they can be named outstanding, you have already left them also extended.

2. Credit cards – If you’ve got one, maintain the balance low. A regularly low balance is greater for your credit score then a higher one particular, regardless of how diligent you are with payments. If you need to have some inspiration on techniques to save money, try some of these suggestions.

3. Spend every little thing on time – This 1 may possibly look obvious, but it is worth repeating pay all your bills on or prior to the due date. A record of consistent, on time payments is one particular of the much more crucial elements in what tends to make a very good credit score.

4. No new credit – Every single time you apply for a new credit account or credit card, your credit rating may gradually drop. So unless you desperately want credit, do not open any new accounts.

5. Check your debt to credit ratio – Say you have a $ 300 credit card balance. That $ 300 of debt will do you more favours on a $ 2000 credit card as opposed to say, a credit card capped at $ 1000. On the $ 2000 card, your debt to credit ratio is roughly 15%, and on the $ 1000 card it’s roughly 30%. The reduced your ratio, the greater. So if you are the sort to regularly devote the same quantity on your credit card, it is worth looking into one with a larger limit nevertheless do not do this if you are unsure of your ability to not invest much more.

6. Hold onto protected accounts – The longer a credit account is maintained without any unfavorable reports (eg. a missed payment), the a lot more it improves your credit rating.

7. Diversify your credit – If you demonstrate an ability to deal with diverse kinds of credit at the very same time, it’s a definite asset to your credit score. For example, a mortgage, a vehicle loan and a credit card. A mix of quick and extended term, and fixed payment and revolving credit, all maintained responsibly, will see your credit score boost. That is not, nevertheless, a suggestion to take on far more debt that you need to have.

It is not an onerous process to improve your credit rating it just demands focus, responsibility, and patience. Use a bit of all 3 and you will hopefully see your scores increase.

How to improve your credit rating

How to improve your credit rating

Now that Australia has optimistic credit reporting by way of Extensive Credit Reporting (CCR), it is a great notion to know how to improve your personal credit rating, and place this understanding into practice. Here are some basic guidelines to support preserve your credit rating attractive to potential lenders.

1. Pay off any outstanding debts – If you have got outstanding credit card payments, or outstanding debt of any kind, spend it off initial point. If they can be known as outstanding, you have currently left them as well long.

2. Credit cards – If you’ve got one particular, keep the balance low. A regularly low balance is much better for your credit score then a larger one particular, regardless of how diligent you are with payments. If you need to have some inspiration on techniques to save funds, try some of these ideas.

3. Pay everything on time – This one particular might appear apparent, but it is worth repeating pay all your bills on or ahead of the due date. A record of consistent, on time payments is one particular of the much more essential aspects in what makes a excellent credit score.

4. No new credit – Every single time you apply for a new credit account or credit card, your credit rating may well gradually drop. So unless you desperately need credit, do not open any new accounts.

5. Verify your debt to credit ratio – Say you have a $ 300 credit card balance. That $ 300 of debt will do you a lot more favours on a $ 2000 credit card as opposed to say, a credit card capped at $ 1000. On the $ 2000 card, your debt to credit ratio is roughly 15%, and on the $ 1000 card it is roughly 30%. The decrease your ratio, the greater. So if you’re the sort to regularly devote the exact same amount on your credit card, it’s worth hunting into 1 with a greater limit nevertheless don’t do this if you’re unsure of your potential to not devote much more.

6. Hold onto secure accounts – The longer a credit account is maintained with out any unfavorable reports (eg. a missed payment), the more it improves your credit rating.

7. Diversify your credit – If you demonstrate an capability to manage various sorts of credit at the same time, it is a definite asset to your credit score. For instance, a mortgage, a vehicle loan and a credit card. A mix of brief and lengthy term, and fixed payment and revolving credit, all maintained responsibly, will see your credit score enhance. That is not, even so, a suggestion to take on far more debt that you need.

It’s not an onerous job to improve your credit rating it just needs consideration, responsibility, and patience. Use a bit of all 3 and you will hopefully see your scores increase.

How to improve your credit rating

Suzuki Swifts sold in SA are safe says 3 -Star rating!

• Swift models sold in SA awarded 3-star rating


• Local models compliant with local and global safety standards


• Zero score for base-spec model sold in India only

Concerns regarding the safety rating of the Suzuki Swift 1.2 produced in India, which have emerged in the wake of a recent Global NCAP crash test, are not relevant to the model sold in South Africa.

According to Charl Grobler, sales and product manager at Suzuki Auto SA, the test was conducted on 2 different grades of the Suzuki Swift: the Indian basic specification model, and the Latin American export specification version.

“However, the Swift 1.2 model offered for sale in SA is the export specification version, which comes equipped with ABS and dual front airbags. Therefore, the zero safety score is not applicable to the locally available Swift model,” Grobler added.

The Global NCAP test conducted on the export model as sold in SA resulted in a 3-star rating. The Swift 1.2 also meets all SA regulations and compulsory specifications as set out by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) – previously known as the SABS.

Grobler points out that SA customers seeking an even higher level of active and passive safety can opt for the Swift 1.4 and Swift Sport models. These models benefit from additional safety systems, including a total of 6 airbags, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) for the ABS braking system, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Suzuki Swifts sold in SA are safe says 3 -Star rating!

Suzuki Swifts sold in SA are safe says 3 -Star rating!

• Swift models sold in SA awarded 3-star rating


• Local models compliant with local and global safety standards


• Zero score for base-spec model sold in India only

Concerns regarding the safety rating of the Suzuki Swift 1.2 produced in India, which have emerged in the wake of a recent Global NCAP crash test, are not relevant to the model sold in South Africa.

According to Charl Grobler, sales and product manager at Suzuki Auto SA, the test was conducted on 2 different grades of the Suzuki Swift: the Indian basic specification model, and the Latin American export specification version.

“However, the Swift 1.2 model offered for sale in SA is the export specification version, which comes equipped with ABS and dual front airbags. Therefore, the zero safety score is not applicable to the locally available Swift model,” Grobler added.

The Global NCAP test conducted on the export model as sold in SA resulted in a 3-star rating. The Swift 1.2 also meets all SA regulations and compulsory specifications as set out by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) – previously known as the SABS.

Grobler points out that SA customers seeking an even higher level of active and passive safety can opt for the Swift 1.4 and Swift Sport models. These models benefit from additional safety systems, including a total of 6 airbags, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) for the ABS braking system, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Suzuki Swifts sold in SA are safe says 3 -Star rating!

Hyundai reaches highest ever brand value rating

Hyundai, one of the top-selling brands globally and in South Africa, saw its brand value post another 2-digit growth into the top 40 in 2014 for the first time – fueled by the successful launch of products such as the new Genesis, as well as the successful implementation of its Modern Premium brand direction.

The brand value of Hyundai Motor Company, which has been included in Interbrand’;s Best 100 Global Brands for 10 consecutive years, surpassed the $ 10 billion mark for the first time, its highest record so far. This is a 16% increase from last year’;s $ 9 billion value and a nearly 200% jump from its $ 3,5 billion value in 2005.

“Hyundai Motor is one of the fastest growing automotive brands in terms of both volume and brand value,” Interbrand said in a statement. “Hyundai Motor makes unique convenience features available across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction, while its commitment to brand building extends to multiple touchpoints.

“As a result of these efforts, brand awareness of product attributes like design and the kind of brand loyalty that comes from an emotional connection are becoming key drivers over price.”

Hyundai Motor, whose brand value ranking rose 3 notches to reach the top global 40 ranking for the first time this year, is building a loyal fan base through continued enhancements in its product lineup, including innovative eco-friendly products such as the world’;s first assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle.

Ongoing investment in the brand, such as active involvement in high-profile sports marketing activites with UEFA, FIFA, and the World Rally Championships also continue. In Seoul, the automaker opened its first brand experience space, Hyundai Motorstudio, while a second one is scheduled to open in Moscow later this year.

Hyundai Motor’;s ranking rose 44 notches since 2005, when it first announced its shift to brand management. Also, the brand value has increased an average of 20% each year after the company introduced its new brand direction in 2011, called “Modern Premium”, which has been creating not only a unified image for the brand worldwide, but also an emotional connection with its customers.

“We’;re implementing a wide variety of brand-related activites that aren’;t simply focused on increasing sales, but are aimed at becoming a brand that our customers genuinely love,” said Won Hong Cho, Hyundai Motor’;s chief marketing officer. “We will continue to invest in our brand, by providing Hyundai Motor’;s unique premium experience in all aspects of the customer’;s journey with our brand.”

Hyundai announced its latest brand direction, “Modern Premium”, and slogan, “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”, at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Since then, a wide range of Hyundai Motor’;s divisions including product development, design, marketing, sales and after sales, have applied the direction to their work in a sustainable, consistent and systematic way. Enhanced global brand awareness and preference of the Hyundai brand through such efforts contributed to the increase in global sales and profits.

The Interbrand rankings are calculated using companies’; financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’;s potential profit.

Automotive Brand Rankings

Rank (Auto)	Brand	Brand Value (US$ billion)		2014 Rank (total)
		?	Y-o-Y
1	Toyota	42,4	19,9%	8
2	Mercedes-Benz	34,3	7,6%	10
3	BMW	34,2	7,5%	11
4	Honda	21,7	17,2%	20
5	VW	13.7	23,3%	31
6	Ford	10,9	18,5%	39
7	Hyundai	10,4	15,6%	40
8	Audi	9,8	26,6%	45
9	Nissan	7,6	22,9%	56
10	Porsche	7,2	10,8%	60
11	Kia	5,4	14,6%	74
12	Chevrolet	5,0	10,0%	82
13	Land Rover	4,5	new	91

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Hyundai Motor’;s Brand Value (2005 – 2014)

Year	Brand Value (US$ billion)	Rank (total)
2005	3,5	84
2006	4,1	75
2007	4,5	72
2008	4,8	72
2009	4,6	69
2010	5,0	65
2011	6,0	61
2012	7,5	53
2013	9,0	43
2014	10,4	40

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Hyundai reaches highest ever brand value rating

Hyundai reaches highest ever brand value rating

Hyundai, one of the top-selling brands globally and in South Africa, saw its brand value post another 2-digit growth into the top 40 in 2014 for the first time – fueled by the successful launch of products such as the new Genesis, as well as the successful implementation of its Modern Premium brand direction.

The brand value of Hyundai Motor Company, which has been included in Interbrand’;s Best 100 Global Brands for 10 consecutive years, surpassed the $ 10 billion mark for the first time, its highest record so far. This is a 16% increase from last year’;s $ 9 billion value and a nearly 200% jump from its $ 3,5 billion value in 2005.

“Hyundai Motor is one of the fastest growing automotive brands in terms of both volume and brand value,” Interbrand said in a statement. “Hyundai Motor makes unique convenience features available across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction, while its commitment to brand building extends to multiple touchpoints.

“As a result of these efforts, brand awareness of product attributes like design and the kind of brand loyalty that comes from an emotional connection are becoming key drivers over price.”

Hyundai Motor, whose brand value ranking rose 3 notches to reach the top global 40 ranking for the first time this year, is building a loyal fan base through continued enhancements in its product lineup, including innovative eco-friendly products such as the world’;s first assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle.

Ongoing investment in the brand, such as active involvement in high-profile sports marketing activites with UEFA, FIFA, and the World Rally Championships also continue. In Seoul, the automaker opened its first brand experience space, Hyundai Motorstudio, while a second one is scheduled to open in Moscow later this year.

Hyundai Motor’;s ranking rose 44 notches since 2005, when it first announced its shift to brand management. Also, the brand value has increased an average of 20% each year after the company introduced its new brand direction in 2011, called “Modern Premium”, which has been creating not only a unified image for the brand worldwide, but also an emotional connection with its customers.

“We’;re implementing a wide variety of brand-related activites that aren’;t simply focused on increasing sales, but are aimed at becoming a brand that our customers genuinely love,” said Won Hong Cho, Hyundai Motor’;s chief marketing officer. “We will continue to invest in our brand, by providing Hyundai Motor’;s unique premium experience in all aspects of the customer’;s journey with our brand.”

Hyundai announced its latest brand direction, “Modern Premium”, and slogan, “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”, at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Since then, a wide range of Hyundai Motor’;s divisions including product development, design, marketing, sales and after sales, have applied the direction to their work in a sustainable, consistent and systematic way. Enhanced global brand awareness and preference of the Hyundai brand through such efforts contributed to the increase in global sales and profits.

The Interbrand rankings are calculated using companies’; financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’;s potential profit.

Automotive Brand Rankings

Rank (Auto)	Brand	Brand Value (US$ billion)		2014 Rank (total)
		?	Y-o-Y
1	Toyota	42,4	19,9%	8
2	Mercedes-Benz	34,3	7,6%	10
3	BMW	34,2	7,5%	11
4	Honda	21,7	17,2%	20
5	VW	13.7	23,3%	31
6	Ford	10,9	18,5%	39
7	Hyundai	10,4	15,6%	40
8	Audi	9,8	26,6%	45
9	Nissan	7,6	22,9%	56
10	Porsche	7,2	10,8%	60
11	Kia	5,4	14,6%	74
12	Chevrolet	5,0	10,0%	82
13	Land Rover	4,5	new	91

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Hyundai Motor’;s Brand Value (2005 – 2014)

Year	Brand Value (US$ billion)	Rank (total)
2005	3,5	84
2006	4,1	75
2007	4,5	72
2008	4,8	72
2009	4,6	69
2010	5,0	65
2011	6,0	61
2012	7,5	53
2013	9,0	43
2014	10,4	40

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Hyundai reaches highest ever brand value rating

Hyundai reaches highest ever brand value rating

Hyundai, one of the top-selling brands globally and in South Africa, saw its brand value post another 2-digit growth into the top 40 in 2014 for the first time – fueled by the successful launch of products such as the new Genesis, as well as the successful implementation of its Modern Premium brand direction.

The brand value of Hyundai Motor Company, which has been included in Interbrand’;s Best 100 Global Brands for 10 consecutive years, surpassed the $ 10 billion mark for the first time, its highest record so far. This is a 16% increase from last year’;s $ 9 billion value and a nearly 200% jump from its $ 3,5 billion value in 2005.

“Hyundai Motor is one of the fastest growing automotive brands in terms of both volume and brand value,” Interbrand said in a statement. “Hyundai Motor makes unique convenience features available across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction, while its commitment to brand building extends to multiple touchpoints.

“As a result of these efforts, brand awareness of product attributes like design and the kind of brand loyalty that comes from an emotional connection are becoming key drivers over price.”

Hyundai Motor, whose brand value ranking rose 3 notches to reach the top global 40 ranking for the first time this year, is building a loyal fan base through continued enhancements in its product lineup, including innovative eco-friendly products such as the world’;s first assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle.

Ongoing investment in the brand, such as active involvement in high-profile sports marketing activites with UEFA, FIFA, and the World Rally Championships also continue. In Seoul, the automaker opened its first brand experience space, Hyundai Motorstudio, while a second one is scheduled to open in Moscow later this year.

Hyundai Motor’;s ranking rose 44 notches since 2005, when it first announced its shift to brand management. Also, the brand value has increased an average of 20% each year after the company introduced its new brand direction in 2011, called “Modern Premium”, which has been creating not only a unified image for the brand worldwide, but also an emotional connection with its customers.

“We’;re implementing a wide variety of brand-related activites that aren’;t simply focused on increasing sales, but are aimed at becoming a brand that our customers genuinely love,” said Won Hong Cho, Hyundai Motor’;s chief marketing officer. “We will continue to invest in our brand, by providing Hyundai Motor’;s unique premium experience in all aspects of the customer’;s journey with our brand.”

Hyundai announced its latest brand direction, “Modern Premium”, and slogan, “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”, at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Since then, a wide range of Hyundai Motor’;s divisions including product development, design, marketing, sales and after sales, have applied the direction to their work in a sustainable, consistent and systematic way. Enhanced global brand awareness and preference of the Hyundai brand through such efforts contributed to the increase in global sales and profits.

The Interbrand rankings are calculated using companies’; financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’;s potential profit.

Automotive Brand Rankings

Rank (Auto)	Brand	Brand Value (US$ billion)		2014 Rank (total)
		?	Y-o-Y
1	Toyota	42,4	19,9%	8
2	Mercedes-Benz	34,3	7,6%	10
3	BMW	34,2	7,5%	11
4	Honda	21,7	17,2%	20
5	VW	13.7	23,3%	31
6	Ford	10,9	18,5%	39
7	Hyundai	10,4	15,6%	40
8	Audi	9,8	26,6%	45
9	Nissan	7,6	22,9%	56
10	Porsche	7,2	10,8%	60
11	Kia	5,4	14,6%	74
12	Chevrolet	5,0	10,0%	82
13	Land Rover	4,5	new	91

;

Hyundai Motor’;s Brand Value (2005 – 2014)

Year	Brand Value (US$ billion)	Rank (total)
2005	3,5	84
2006	4,1	75
2007	4,5	72
2008	4,8	72
2009	4,6	69
2010	5,0	65
2011	6,0	61
2012	7,5	53
2013	9,0	43
2014	10,4	40

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Hyundai reaches highest ever brand value rating

Kick in a Box: Rating the Energy-to-Dollar Efficiency of Much more than 40 Crate Engines [Infographic]

September 10, 2014 at 2:56 pm by Rob Kinnan | Photography by Andrew Trahan

A “crate engine” is just that: an engine that comes in a wooden box, delivered to your door, ready to be dropped into the automobile of your picking. The great old days’ answer of constructing your personal engine is falling out of favor, increasingly replaced by the ease and expense-effectiveness of purchasing a complete, ready-to-run powerplant. The appeal is obvious: verified energy levels, dependability, and typically a warranty. There are hundreds of choices in the crate-engine marketplace, and even the automakers are in on the game. Ford, GM, and Mopar have stock and modified production engines available for sale, as effectively as new overall performance versions of prior designs, like the tiny-block Chevrolet that dates back to 1955. Here, we’ve compiled a choice of OE offerings, sorted by their most crucial stats: power and cost. Click the graphic to enlarge.

Soon after Marketplace, Beyond Explanation

OE engines as well tame? Aftermarket catalogs are bursting with mills combining unreal output with equally shocking civility. Lingenfelter’s baddest is a 1000-hp supercharged 427 cubic-incher for $ 34,995. It is a drop-in package for any vehicle that originally came with an LS engine. If packaging is not a concern, then Moran Motorsports has a 2000-hp, 555-cube big-block-Chevy–based crate for you. It’s not low-cost: Getting a single on the road will price about $ 38,000. But if you had a a lot more reputable way to run in the sixes at much more than 200 mph and then cruise all day, you could set your price, as well.

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Kick in a Box: Rating the Energy-to-Dollar Efficiency of Much more than 40 Crate Engines [Infographic]