Southern California-based Rio Hondo Regional Truck Academy Receives 26 Donated Kia Vehicles for Emergency Response Training

IRVINE, Calif., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rio Hondo Regional Truck Academy, an intensive training facility offering courses designed for the professional firefighter to educate emergency responders from Southern California about life-saving techniques, today is receiving 26 Kia Borrego SUV vehicles, both the academy's and Kia Motors' largest vehicle donation to-date, by Kia Motors America (KMA).  A two-day, eight-hour training course commenced on June 16 designed for advanced auto extrication techniques, including three scenarios designed to provide students hands-on experience during real world vehicular accidents.  Firefighters nationwide are able to participate in this course to learn about advances in vehicle technology, including airbag functions, and receive training using rescue tools to quickly remove passengers during an emergency situation.

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"We know many government agencies are in need of support during these difficult times and providing Rio Hondo Regional Truck Academy with Kia vehicles equipped with the latest automotive technology for the education and safety of emergency responders is the ideal fit," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America.  "The training offered by Rio Hondo is invaluable and providing vehicles as training tools further supports the Academy's efforts."  

The purpose of this training will be to update Southern California firefighters on new and evolving extrication techniques to help keep them abreast of recent technological advances found in today's vehicles and to help maintain firefighter safety during rescue operations.  During training, participants will have the opportunity to practice rescue techniques while the vehicles are placed in numerous positions common in real-world accidents and scenarios.  

"Without this donation from Kia Motors we would not be able to do this training," said David Kang, Truck Academy Instructor for Rio Hondo Regional Truck Academy.  "The use of these Kia SUVs will allow firefighters from all over Southern California to learn the latest in vehicle technologies and ultimately save lives."

About Kia Borrego

Available in LX and EX trims, Borrego's spacious cabin comes well equipped with a slew of standard convenience features, including: air conditioning; power door locks, windows and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system to keep its passengers entertained and comfortable. When properly equipped, Borrego sports a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, and up to 5,000 pounds with the V6. Borrego offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping or outdoor lifestyle activities. Borrego models with 4WD feature the second generation full-time Torque-on-Demand® system from BorgWarner, which uses electronic sensors to monitor road conditions and distribute power to the appropriate wheels.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. With four new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®(1) infotainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year). The launch of the 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled(2) at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 670 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever. 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. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1)  Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

(2)  Kia vehicles assembled at the Kia U.S. plant are assembled in the U.S. with U.S. and globally sourced parts.

SOURCE Kia Motors America