Kia Motors Expands Community Efforts for Healthcare and Consumers
All over the world, industries are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturing plants have either shut down or been paused for production, which has made many automakers anxious, but a handful of automakers and groups have only changed their focus to producing the necessary equipment for healthcare workers and first responders, currently on the front line for the battle against the Coronavirus. In just the first few weeks, a nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) became quickly apparent, and Kia Motors is joining the cause in an effort to always “Give It Everything”.
“Giving back in meaningful ways is a key component of Kia Motors’ ‘Give It Everything’ strategy in the U.S. Our Accelerate the Good program identifies areas where Kia can make the biggest impact and we are proud to lend our manufacturing capabilities and talents to produce face shields that will protect America’s courageous healthcare workers…Kia is driven by an unstoppable spirit to take on and overcome challenges, and the world-class team members at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia have come together in support of those who are giving it everything on the frontlines of the pandemic.” – Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors North America
The production of face shields, or masks, by Kia Motors has already begun at its manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, and donations will be first delivered Georgia facilities, followed by Alabama, New York, and California. With a target capacity of at least 200,000 units a month, the face shields are being manufactured by paid volunteers from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), with many safety measures put in place at the plant, including conducting temperature scans, providing face masks and gloves, and staggering work stations. To better assist in this endeavor, Kia Motors has partnered with 3-Dimensional Services Group, a Michigan-based rapid response manufacturer supporting prototype and low volume production applications, to produce materials and components for the production of these face shields.
Face shield production is just the latest expansion of Kia Motors’ efforts to help communities in need, giving back and backing charities. Kia’s Accelerate the Good program recently donated a total of $1 million to non-profit partners that assist homeless youth nationwide, including Covenant House, StandUp for Kids and Family Promise to provide much needed shelter and care to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Kia has previously donated N95 masks and gloves to medical facilities throughout Orange County, California (location of U.S. HQ), and during this time, has also offered new and existing consumers various benefits and programs.
Earlier this month, Kia Motors extended still-existing automobile warranties and offered consumers who bought or leased a new Kia prior to March 14, 2020, the chance to request a 30-day payment extension up to three times (conditions apply). For new consumers, Kia Motors is offering a range of programs to help consumers with some of the financial burdens that come with purchasing a new car. These include up to 120-day payment deferrals and 0%, 75-month financing on some of the most popular Kia Motors models (Forte, Optima, Rio, Stinger, Soul, Sportage, Sedona, Telluride, Seltos). For those currently facing financial difficulty, options are available to defer payments or temporarily extend leases.
As the world keeps turning, Kia Motors is one of several automakers utilizing its resources to support its valued consumers and communities at this time. If in the market for a new Kia Motors vehicle, contact us at Miami Lakes Kia and ask about how we can help you while keeping safe.
