Kia is a relatively new brand in Canada. As a fact, the manufacturer of Kia Spectra radiator has just started its venture in the territory in 2000. But since then, the brand has showed consistent growth.
Jessy Prihar, Millwoods Kia dealer principal, is preparing for the grand opening of the Capital Region's newest Kia store. The new 18,800-square-foot facility is one of the first dealerships in Canada to showcase the automaker’s new corporate look. The new structure will be able to display 8 new vehicles in the showroom and provide 10 service bays to suitably serve the dealership's growing number of clientele.
Millwoods Kia started operations out of a trailer in January last year. Despite the fact, the dealership still managed to sell 300 new units in the previous year. With a brand new facility coupled with a growing interest in Kia products, Prihar is confident that 2007 will see strong growth, saying, "By the end of the fiscal year, I expect we'll (sell) 400 units."
Earlier this year, J.D. Power and Associates, an automobile quality specialist, recognized the Kia Rio as "Highest Ranked Subcompact Car in Initial Quality in the U.S." for the second year in a row, beating out the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa.
"Kia is a very aggressive manufacturer. Hyundai and Kia will do in 10 years what Honda and Toyota took thirty years to do. By 2010, (Hyundai-Kia) want to increase market share to sixth largest in the world," he noted.
General sales manager Alex Vlasenko said that the dealership's best sellers are the subcompact Rio and the Sedona minivan, which together account for 30-percent of the store's new vehicle sales. But for value, Vlasenko said that nothing in its segment can touch the new Rondo, which Kia touts as an 'urban utility vehicle' and competes with the popular Mazda5.
"It's the best investment for your dollar," he said. "Pricing starts at under $20,000 for the five-passenger LX. It's fuel-efficient, yet sporty. I can't find anything this vehicle doesn't have: 16-inch alloy wheels, all disk brakes, ABS/TCS/VSC, 12 airbags.”
Here are some facts about Millwoods Kia.
MILLWOODS KIA
When founded: 2006
Location: 9710 35th Ave., Edmonton
Hours of operation: Sales and leasing: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun Closed
Service & Parts: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun. Closed
What does dealership sell: Kia
Best sales year: 300 new units in 2006
Size of dealership: 18,800 sq.ft. facility housing an eight-vehicle new car showroom, 10 service bays, one quick-lube bay and a four-vehicle enclosed drive-through
What geographic area does dealership serve?: Edmonton (south of the North Saskatchewan River) to Red Deer
Dealer principal: Jessy Prihar
Dealership philosophy or corporate principles statement: "Caring for customers, understanding and serving their needs, and by working enthusiastically as a team that respects the unique contributions of every individual."
Number of employees: 30
Charitable activities: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Millwoods Hockey Association
Website: http://www.millwoodskia.com/
[via: autos.canada.com]
Jessy Prihar, Millwoods Kia dealer principal, is preparing for the grand opening of the Capital Region's newest Kia store. The new 18,800-square-foot facility is one of the first dealerships in Canada to showcase the automaker’s new corporate look. The new structure will be able to display 8 new vehicles in the showroom and provide 10 service bays to suitably serve the dealership's growing number of clientele.
Millwoods Kia started operations out of a trailer in January last year. Despite the fact, the dealership still managed to sell 300 new units in the previous year. With a brand new facility coupled with a growing interest in Kia products, Prihar is confident that 2007 will see strong growth, saying, "By the end of the fiscal year, I expect we'll (sell) 400 units."
Earlier this year, J.D. Power and Associates, an automobile quality specialist, recognized the Kia Rio as "Highest Ranked Subcompact Car in Initial Quality in the U.S." for the second year in a row, beating out the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa.
"Kia is a very aggressive manufacturer. Hyundai and Kia will do in 10 years what Honda and Toyota took thirty years to do. By 2010, (Hyundai-Kia) want to increase market share to sixth largest in the world," he noted.
General sales manager Alex Vlasenko said that the dealership's best sellers are the subcompact Rio and the Sedona minivan, which together account for 30-percent of the store's new vehicle sales. But for value, Vlasenko said that nothing in its segment can touch the new Rondo, which Kia touts as an 'urban utility vehicle' and competes with the popular Mazda5.
"It's the best investment for your dollar," he said. "Pricing starts at under $20,000 for the five-passenger LX. It's fuel-efficient, yet sporty. I can't find anything this vehicle doesn't have: 16-inch alloy wheels, all disk brakes, ABS/TCS/VSC, 12 airbags.”
Here are some facts about Millwoods Kia.
MILLWOODS KIA
When founded: 2006
Location: 9710 35th Ave., Edmonton
Hours of operation: Sales and leasing: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun Closed
Service & Parts: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun. Closed
What does dealership sell: Kia
Best sales year: 300 new units in 2006
Size of dealership: 18,800 sq.ft. facility housing an eight-vehicle new car showroom, 10 service bays, one quick-lube bay and a four-vehicle enclosed drive-through
What geographic area does dealership serve?: Edmonton (south of the North Saskatchewan River) to Red Deer
Dealer principal: Jessy Prihar
Dealership philosophy or corporate principles statement: "Caring for customers, understanding and serving their needs, and by working enthusiastically as a team that respects the unique contributions of every individual."
Number of employees: 30
Charitable activities: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Millwoods Hockey Association
Website: http://www.millwoodskia.com/
[via: autos.canada.com]