Len_Hunt: Hello everybody and thank you for taking the time to participate in this chat. I'm very interested to do this because direct feedback from owners is what Kia wants to be doing in the future. I'm very excited to take part in this.

verwri asks: Will we see a hybrid SUV soon?

Len_Hunt: The answer is 1) I can't give a direct answer. Simply and truthfully we are working very hard in looking for many alternatives - diesel, hybrids... We are investigating many alternatives and hybrids is definitely one of them.

beulahbelle asks: I've looked at Kia, but the stories about parts availability worries me some. Am I out of luck if something breaks?

Len_Hunt: This is a good question because our parts availability at the moment is at the highest it's been in about 5 years so it is very good at the moment and has been so for the last year that I've been here. We're currently running at over 97% availability to our dealers - we are very good at parts. But I'm sure there is someone out there with an upper-swivel-giggle-pin or some strange part, but it is very rare these days we don't have a part. :)

verwri asks: Will the Rondo be a better product for families than the short wheel base Sedona?

Len_Hunt: Great question!!!! I'm glad you asked! They are two very different products. Our research tells us that the Rondo will appeal to people who really reject minivans. The characteristic most recognized as being a minivan is the sliding door. Because the Rondo doesn't have sliding doors it's not viewed as a minivan but has many of the features that you find in a minivan - such as adjustable seating (up to 7 seats), car-like handling because it is off the Optima platform; high-driver ride position and it has great fuel economy because one of the options is a 4 cyl or 6 cyl where the Sedona short wheel base only has the 6 cyl. Perhaps most interesting is the starting price for the Rondo at $16,395, but for the short wheelbase minivan the starting price is $20,495. So they are very different vehicles, but I do like the question because it shows that a young family could go for the Rondo option. It gives great flexibility as well as great value.

ringo asks: How long have you been with Kia? Do you like it and what is the best part about your job?>

Len_Hunt: I've been with Kia just over a year. I joined on October 10, 2005. Do I like it? I LOVE IT! The best part? Getting the message out there that we have some of the finest cars in the world - it truly is.

canoer asks: Are Kia lease deals around?

Len_Hunt: Another good question. Yes, they are, but only on certain models. As we move into 2007 you will see more, so watch this space :)

MangoKia asks: Why aren't there more wagons on the market? Is that just the US?

Len_Hunt: Now that's an interesting question and I can say that because I'm British! When I came to America I couldn't understand why wagons weren't more popular because in Europe wagons are the American SUVs. You don't have the big SUVs in Europe, you have wagons. But then I discovered here in America nobody wants a wagon because "Dad" used to have a Buick Roadmaster. So everybody went SUV but now wagons could have a bit of resurgence. The luxury manufacturers have wagons, but there still isn't much of a demand for Kia wagons even our 5-door Kia Spectra or Kia Rio don't sell as much as the 4-doors.

Mark Ingalls asks: Do you have any future plans that involve a higher Horse Power rating?

Len_Hunt: Another good question. You see, Kia's brand positioning is exciting and enabling, which is corporate speak for sporty. Now, we're starting in our '07 model year to put some very respectable HP figures into the cars. For example, our Sedona at 250 HP has the most power in its class. It's the fastest minivan in the West. The Sorento, our compact SUV, has 262 HP. And our flagship, the Amanti, has 264 HP. So we've started with our V6's putting more performance and more HP in there, but we're also asking our good friends in Korea to look at "breathing" on our engines.

Bill Hurlin asks: There was some discussion about enthusiast groups in one of your interviews. Is this something similar to track days that they have in England and if so, how could we become involved to help hold such events.

Len_Hunt: My goodness we are getting good questions! YES! Kia came to America in 1994 and sold 12,000 cars. This year we'll sell just short of 300,000 cars, which means we've been very good "hunters". It's now time to be farmers as well. That means encouraging enthusiast groups and one of the reasons I'm here doing this chat. So again - watch this space!

Philthy asks: I have not seen incentives for the Sedona for December, will they have any?

Len_Hunt: Yes, and all the latest incentives can always be found on http://www.kia.com.

Mark Ingalls says: I have the world's largest aftermarket Kia enthusiast's website world wide. :-)

Len_Hunt: We are seeing the green shoots of enthusiasts clubs and Forums is really beginning to gather.

canoer asks: What kind of influences has (or will) Peter Schreyer be contributing to new designs?

Len_Hunt: What another good question! :) I'm lucky enough to be one of the few people to be able to answer that. Peter is a close friend as well as a colleague and I worked with him when he was part of Audi design. I worked with him on the launch of the Audi TT. Peter brings classic sports design. You are going to start to see the wheels going more outboard. You're going to see the beltline start to reach in a diagonal line from the front of the car to the rear making the car look like it's going 100mph when it stood still. You're going to see sheet metal looked like it stretched over the body. You're going to see wonderful interiors (not that we haven't got them already). He's going to breathe sportiness into the next generation of Kias.

KIA-Living asks: Congrats on the safety awards in the news the other week - how is Kia ahead of the game in safety?

Len_Hunt: Great question again. Yes, we've been getting safety awards on a regular basis; 5-Star awards on Sedona, Optima, Sportage. The IIHS said the Sedona was the best minivan they've tested. And now, safety is one of the top 3 reasons of why people buy a Kia. It's a mainstay of our strategy. And thank you for the congratulations. :)

Mark Ingalls asks: Now with Safety and quality in good standings, Will Kia be reaching out more to the tuner market in 07? And if so, how will Kia present it?

Len_Hunt: This is a fabulous question! Kia is on a strategy of taking 4 steps up a brand ladder. Step 1 is Confidence - good quality, affordable vehicles. Step 2 is Integrity - safety, warranty, best warranty. Step 3 starts to get interesting... that's when we inject Pride. Our '07 models are truly a range to be proud of. Step 4 - Passion - that's where we start to answer the question. We're already developing and actually featured at SEMA a range of affordable components like a catback exhaust, suspension components, brake components and a pretty noisy audio system. All designed for the tuners, but all designed at affordable prices that carry our warranty. In short = YES. More to come!!

Bigpants asks: Where did the name Rondo come from?

Len_Hunt: The name Rondo came from America because the vehicle is called the Carrens in other markets and that did not research well at all in America. So Rondo has a musical origin and we thought it fit with our other car names, but it actually came from Kia Motors America.

KiaLI asks: Are we going to get a halo car before the end of this decade?

Len_Hunt: Yes.

Karl asks: Are we going go see more Kia dealerships opening up soon?

Len_Hunt: Obviously the number of dealers is linked to how many cars you sell. As we are growing, you will see the increase, but largely we have the dealers we need which is some 650 across America.

Coost asks: The Optima had quite the MPG gain over previous years even though it has been tuned to put out more HP. How is that possible? (This obviously applies to the Rondo as well since it's the same base). Modern technology both in engine management and materials used. The engines are lighter and we have more sophisticated engine management. In fact some people think the Optima 4 cyl is actually a 6 cyl. It's fast!

harrychezt comments: I read a 4 way test drive, and the editor said if the Optima had the 234HP V6 from Sonata, they would have picked it over Honda, Toyota and Ford and Hyundai midsized sedans!!!

Len_Hunt: Yes, but ours is the greatest value in a V6 because all those V6's that you mentioned cost well over $20,000 and our V6 starts under $20,000 - which is great value.

harrychezt asks: Why should someone consider say a Kia over a Toyota these days? Besides 10.100K warranty?

Len_Hunt: Better overall value.

verwri asks: Any navigation system coming in Kia vehicles...and hot/cold cup holders?

Len_Hunt: Not that I'm aware of on the hot/cold cup holders. Navigation systems are really interesting. The marketplace is looking very seriously at portable nav systems like Tom-Tom, Nuvi from Garmin. We're trying to be inline with consumer demand of maybe greater portability rather than fixed systems.

StarryKnight asks: Hello, Mr. Hunt...Is there any chance that Kia will make a power sunroof or moonroof available as an option with the '07 Rio5 SX?

Len_Hunt: That's an interesting one. Not in the '07, no.

Bill Hurlin asks: Do you see a 2-seater, like you had with the Elan, in the future?

Len_Hunt: Oh, the Elan... now there's a car. Refer back to earlier question about halo car ;)

Coost asks: What are some of the alternative fuel technologies that Kia are looking into?

Len_Hunt: It's the full range. In fact, the other day I drove a fuel cell Kia. We're looking at all options.

verwri asks: What about rear safety...any info on back passengers in rear accidents?

Len_Hunt: Well, they get covered by the 5-star. Especially in the Sportage, Sedona, and Optima, it's from side and rear. So, they're covered. We are as focused on rear crash as much as side and front as that's one of the most common accidents - to get rear ended.

Mark Ingalls asks: Can I get a Job with Kia? Been trying to years..lol.

Len_Hunt: Send us an application :)

dbt asks: Following up the Kia dealership question: Edmunds reported a lot of service trouble with the LA area Kia dealers. What is being done to ensure better customer service at Kia dealers?

Len_Hunt: Yes, that was a particular problem we had which is now fully resolved as we have a group of new dealers in the South Los Angeles area. That was an isolated incident and we've got great coverage over the rest of the country.

verwri asks: Why do you think resale value is not up to Honda or Toyota?

Len_Hunt: Many reasons. It's a function of quality. Getting the reputation for great quality takes time and more people aware of your products and how good they are. Overall brand image... and really following the great steps that Toyota has taken over the years. We've only been here since 1994. It's a function of people getting used to the brand and getting great service over time. It will up the residual values.

Michael asks: How much does Kia collaborate with Hyundai on product / technology development?

Len_Hunt: A great deal behind the scenes. That's how we're able to bring such great value cars to the market because we can share the overall product development. HOWEVER, on the design side, which we were talking about earlier with Peter, the products are going to look very different.

Mark Ingalls asks: Are dealership staff PR trained? Do they get any classes on stats?

Len_Hunt: No. Except they get lectures from me all the time so I guess I'm their PR trainer. In addition to 28 other things I have to do ;-)

KiaLI asks: When will you decide on the models to be built in the U.S. plant?

Len_Hunt: Good question! A little nearer to the time when we've built the buildings; we've not yet decided, but we're not far away from deciding.

verwri asks: What is your best Kia vehicle?

Len_Hunt: Well, I currently drive a '07 Sorento, all black, fully accessorized - a great machine.

Biff Jingles asks: Do you see Kia entering the Truck Market or strictly staying with Passenger Cars?

Len_Hunt: Our plans for trucks are some way off. First we are concentrating on our cars and SUVs. And actually, the market for trucks is pretty tough at the moment.

Michael asks: Is Kia planning to debut any new vehicles at the upcoming NAIAS?

Len_Hunt: Another good question... answer? Yes! Watch this space. Come and visit our stand, or "booths" as you say in America.

Philthy asks: What is the difference between the 2007 and the 2006 Sedona. Also, will Kia come out with a Mobility assistance program like Hyundai?

Len_Hunt: There's no difference between the '07 except you get the short wheelbase. The only difference is the short wheelbase and we get 6HP more as the engine moves from 244 HP which was premium fuel to 250HP which is in regular....so you can go faster for less money. Other than that, no change except the short wheelbase. The mobility package is interesting and we are currently looking at it. It's a good program.

Bill Hurlin asks: Len, you have taken the time to do this tonight, which I think is great, have you been to any of the enthusiast sites, and do you see any value in them for Kia USA?

Len_Hunt: Yes and Yes. I really do believe that reaching out to our enthusiasts is a key part of our onward strategy. I like enthusiasts... it's the 4th step on the ladder where the Passion is.

verwri asks: All I want is a SWB Sedona with power doors and trunk...(smile)...that's all I want for Xmas...please tell me it will come next year.

Len_Hunt: You can have the short wheelbase minivan. When it comes to the power package, unfortunately, you have to get the long wheelbase for that. You don't want all that extra weight on that power package. You just want it to go fast.

null asks: When can we expect the 07 Sedona to hit the showrooms?

Len_Hunt: Some of the '07 EX's are already there. So progressively.

Mike from Florida asks: Mr. Hunt, I like the new Rondo very much. However, in other countries it is available with power front seats, auto climate control, rearview mirror with compass etc. Will these features be available on the 2008 Rondo?? Thanks.

Len_Hunt: Well, we're always looking at various features and options that are available around the world. It's really a question of overall value and balance between price and options. We would seriously look at those options as the model gets older. We call it lifecycle management... isn't that wonderful corporate speak?

thetruth asks: Is the 3rd row seat an option in the Rondo with the 4 cylinder?

Len_Hunt: It's optional on the LX and LX V6 and standard on the EX - so it is available.

Michael asks: How is Kia planning to grow the awareness of its brand and its vehicles?

Len_Hunt: By utilizing all mechanisms. This is a traditional answer to say that we are going to be on TV, all over the internet, doing ride-n-drive events. All the traditional communication mechanisms. But I'd like to try something out on this chat line because it's OK developing your brand communicating on TV, but you need a hook... an elevator test. That really encapsulates what the brand is about. I'll give you a good example.... a company I used to work for (VW) used to have a line "Drivers Wanted" and it was very successful. We have an idea at Kia that I'd like to share. We like to think that Kia is for people with more brains that money. What do you think? Good comments!!

harrychezt asks: How about Turbo options at dealerships akin to Scions in the near future?

Len_Hunt: Actually, this is another great question because we're noticing that Scion is becoming one of our top cross-shopped vehicles. So people coming to Kia are looking at Scion... anything they're doing we're looking at closely. The concept car that we revealed in Detroit this year - the Kia Soul - is very near to production. And THAT is going to be in that Scion mentality. So there's a little sneak preview of some things that are coming...and a little look behind the curtain for those of you who took the time tonight to join us here.

Bill Hurlin asks: How do we write you a letter, contact, etc.?

Len_Hunt: Kia Motors America – 111 Peters Canyon Road, Irvine, CA 92606. And I hope to be getting 3,000 letters tomorrow morning. :-) Thank you very much for participating and hope you enjoyed it like I did. Keep waving the Kia flag!