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Kia Mesa Concept
When one thinks of KIA
images of generic and disposable cars dance
in one’s head. If you watch a lot of
TV shows with the word PIMP in the title you
know that while Lincolns and Honda make a
lot of appearances KIA does not. Maybe in
the future you might see a KIA with glittering
rims and a custom hood… and maybe KIA’s
future is the Mesa. Beefy, stylish, and tough
(OK, at least tough looking). Designed in
California, the Mesa Concept car is a new
take on vehicles for the South Korean motor
company. It’s a step away from the disposable
car market, and a look toward the oversized-vehicle-performance-obsessed
American Car market. The Mesa has three rows
of seats, two sunroofs, and a eye-popping
116-inch wheel base. Are the heads of KIA
looking for their humble Mesa to show up in
a rap video?
It’s no mistake
that KIA is looking to let consumers know
that its “tough” new image is
the way of the future: “vehicles were
considerably less reliable than those from
competitors, and relied largely on ten-year
powertrain warranties for sales. (Also see
Hyundai Motor Company) Kia has consistently
ranked last on J.D. Power and Associates durability
index. In recent years however, Kia has worked
to improve the reliabilty of their vehicles
and for one year (2004), it improved to 2nd
last( Last place went to Land Rover). The
next year it regained its traditional title
as the least durable.” (1)
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