Cars and Computers

Everyone here at LotPro.com knows how important technology is to the auto industry. Virtually every automotive system, from engine management to steering, braking and listening to music, is dependent upon modern technological wizardry to make it function properly.

This week, Kia Motors announced that it is partnering with Microsoft Corporation to become a worldwide sponsor of RoboChamps 2008, a global IT competition to “advance development of intelligent, autonomous driving technology.” Say what?

Danger, Will Robinson!

It turns out that this is a logical extension of an earlier agreement between Hyundai-Kia and Microsoft that was signed in May of this year in which both parties agreed to co-develop in-vehicle technology and entertainment systems.

The purpose of the RoboChamps competition is to encourage excellence in robotics programming. Using Microsoft software, programmers can “build” a virtual robot and program it to complete a number of different tasks or “challenges” in a virtual world. There are a total of 5 challenges, each taking place in its own world.

Attention all programming geeks!

The overall competition began July 5th, while the Urban Challenge portion got underway on October 9th. Most of the challenges allow entrants about a 6 week window in which to complete each challenge. The Urban Challenge segment ends on November 30th. There is no charge to enter and the development software is also available from Microsoft for free.

If it’s virtual, shouldn’t a Spectra be a Spectral?

In addition to the obvious advantages of partnering with Microsoft, Kia will also establish its presence in the virtual world. As part of the urban challenge, robot cars (all Kias) will travel from an initial position past multiple Kia dealership buildings. Points will be awarded for, among other things, each unique Kia building passed. Five Kia models will be represented, as well as Kia’s new U.S. headquarters, outdoor advertisements and videos (remember Bladerunner?).

Here is the official press release:

(SEOUL) October 13, 2008 – Kia Motors Corporation, a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart and a leader in automotive information technology convergence, announced today that it is a global sponsor of RoboChamps 2008, Microsoft’s virtual-world robotics competition.

The sponsorship is designed to encourage the nurturing of professionals specializing in intelligent, autonomous automotive technology as well as further research and interest in auto-IT convergence. Kia also hopes to reach new audiences through the innovative promotion of its brand and a range of new Kia vehicles embedded throughout the simulation.

Kia Motors is providing 3D rendered models of five of its vehicles – the all-new and recently launched Soul, Borrego SUV, pro-cee’d (not sold in the U.S.), refreshed Optima and all-new Spectra. Event participants will use the simulated Kia cars to complete the RoboChamps Urban challenge, programming and autonomously operating a vehicle in a simulated city environment with accuracy and priority.  Backdrops integrated into the simulated city will also include the new Kia Motors America headquarters, Kia Motors dealer shops, outdoor Kia advertisements and a Kia Motors’ promotional video.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO, International Business Division of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “We are building on our strategic alliance with Microsoft and want to continue as a leader of next-generation automotive technology, enabling development of auto-IT convergence in Korea and around the world.  By integrating our products and advertising into the simulation environment, our brand is connecting with an audience of potentially 10 million IT professionals in a new and exciting way.”

This announcement follows the strategic alliance agreement signed between Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group and Microsoft in May to co-develop in-vehicle IT and infotainment systems, and to work together toward establishing the Automotive IT Innovation Center in Korea.

Microsoft is encouraging IT academics, hobbyists and developers to take part in the challenges of RoboChamps.  Using Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio (MSRDS) 2008 CTP (Community Technical Preview), participants are provided with immersive 3-D environments, simulated versions of robots, and compelling scenario-specific challenges. Environments range from a maze to the surface of the planet Mars to downtown driving, to robot rescue, and to soccer.

The Urban challenge kicked off at 12:01 AM PT (Pacific Time) on October 9, 2008 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on November 30, 2008. Top prizes include a $15,000 cash prize or, for the domestic Korean competition, an all-new Kia Soul vehicle.

More information can be found at www.robochamps.com.

IRVINE, Calif. – Kia Motors America (KMA) announced its best June ever with record sales of 28,292 units, an increase of 7.6 percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 157,619 units, an increase of 2.1 percent over the same period last year.  For the just completed quarter, the company reported sales of 89,405 units.

Kia Spectra

Kia’s June record sales were led by Spectra and Optima, with 7,131 and 6,865 units sold respectively.  Small car Rio and family vacation favorite Sedona also had strong sales with 3,337 units and 3,719 units respectively, both increases over the same period last year.

Kia Optima

“As the economy continues to fluctuate, consumers are turning to vehicles that are known for value and quality,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).  “Thanks to a strong marketing plan and the hard work of the Kia dealer network, Kia continues to have success during this difficult economic time.”

Kia Rio

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States.  For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales.  Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles.  Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.”  Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.

What is “eco-driving”?

According to Mr. Cho, today’s oil prices leave drivers with two main options: “One is leaving their cars at home, which most of us don’t intend to do; and the other is ‘eco-driving.’”

The Sustainability Management Team at Hyundai has defined ‘eco driving’ as the ability to efficiently drive your vehicle. To help vehicle owners drive more efficiently, the team has defined what they call the “Five simple golden rules of eco-driving”:

1. Avoid speeding and maintain a constant speed.
2. Change gears as soon as possible.
3. Avoid sharp acceleration and sudden braking.
4. Check tire pressure frequently.
5. Move with the traffic flow.

According to a statement on the Kia Buzz web site, “Eco driving can reduce exhaust gas emissions, help prevent accidents, lengthen car life and save energy. Tests have shown that eco driving can enhance fuel efficiency by 10 to 30%. However, the practice of eco-driving is subjective amongst drivers. Other than the UK, where the driver’s license test incorporates the concept of eco-driving, changing bad driving habits and separate education on eco-driving is easier said than done.”

The ‘Eco Driving’ System

To help drivers “master” the five golden rules, Kia is offering the Eco Driving System as a standard feature in the enhanced Lotze (known as the Optima in the United States). This vehicle was launched in Korea on June 12th and it will be the first car in Korea to feature such a system. An “eco lamp”, located on the dashboard and integrated with the speedometer, will guide the driver to drive in the most economical way.

According to Kia, here’s how it works: “A green lamp will come on to indicate high fuel efficiency driving (eg, traveling at a constant speed), while a red lamp will indicate low fuel efficiency (eg, sharp acceleration, sudden braking). A white lamp will come on to show normal fuel efficiency or standby mode. The system is designed to encourage eco-driving by providing real-time feedback to the driver. “

To back up the claims of increased efficiency, comparison tests were conducted during a recent real-life test drive in Korea. Kia Motors entered 10 Lotzes (Optimas) in an actual eco-driving event. Through the 4.35 mile (7km) route, 100 drivers were asked to drive the course using in their usual driving habits. After receiving special training on the new system from Kia instructors, drivers were then asked to run the course again applying the knowledge from the lessons that they’d just received.

Based on the test drives conducted that day, the highest fuel consumption rate was 32.4 mpg while the average was 29.4 miles per gallon. These figures were 10 to 20% better than the Lotze’s official fuel consumption rate (the Korean equivalent to EPA mileage estimates).

System coming to the U.S.

According to Mr. Cho, this system is will soon be available in U.S.-spec Optimas, as well. In addition to the Eco Driving System, Kia Motors “will continue to hold campaigns to promote economical and eco-friendly driving habits to help drivers better cope with surging oil prices.”

IRVINE, Calif., June 3, 2008 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best sales month ever for the second consecutive month with record May sales of 31,047 units, an increase of nine percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 129,327 units.

May’s record sales were led by the Kia Spectra and Kia Optima, which both had their best months ever with 9,407 and 8,197 units sold respectively, increases of 10.5 and 120.8 percent over same period last year. The Kia Rio also continued with strong sales in its best month of the year at 4,474 units, a 28.6 percent increase over the same period last year.

“With gas prices continuing to rise, record sales of the fuel-efficient Spectra and Optima are proof that consumers are recognizing Kia’s value now more than ever,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Achieving the best month ever for two months in a row is the result of enhancement efforts to Kia’s brand image and the Kia dealer network’s total endeavors in a difficult market environment to sell more vehicles.”

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2008 – Kia Motors America (KMA) has broken its all-time sales record, inked a major sponsorship deal as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and launched its all-new Borrego midsize SUV. KMA also is proud to announce seven models, including the Optima, Rio, Rondo, Sedona, Sorento, Spectra and Spectra5 have achieved The Car Book “Best Bet” distinction. Rio and Optima are recipients of the award for the third consecutive year, while the Spectra, Spectra5 and Sorento have achieved this award for the second year in a row.

“We are pleased to have several of Kia’s top-selling models distinguished as “Best Bets” by The Car Book,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “As we continue to raise our brand profile, we are proud to receive these awards based on safety features and performance characteristics in our vehicles.”

The Car Book 2008 is an updated and expanded guide to buying a new 2008 car, van, truck or SUV. It presents the latest safety ratings, dealer prices, fuel economy, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, tires, as well as a chart of state lemon laws, and is published in cooperation with the Center for Auto Safety, the nation’s leading auto safety advocacy group.

The Car Book’s “Best Bet” distinction, given annually, is based on objective information collected from government and independent sources that evaluate the safety and performance needs of the American consumer. Only cars that have ratings in all of the key Car Book categories – safety features, fuel economy, rollover, front and side crash tests, maintenance and repair costs, warranties, insurance costs, and complaints, with the greatest emphasis placed on crash test performance – are considered as potential “Best Bets.”

“The Car Book has long been the consumer’s best guide to smart and sensible car buying,” said Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book. “We appreciate the fact that Kia continues to make a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer.”