Kia’s Cali formula
This is Kia’s new coupe. To date, this is Kia’s only coupe. And it’s called the Koup. Kia will be exorcising the Spectra from the American market in summer 2009 and bringing in the Koup to fill the gap.
Hoping to attract Generation-Y buyers, the Koup was designed in California. And there should be a stream of similar creations now that Kia has opened a $130 million studio just down the road in beautiful, scenic Irvine. The Kia Design Center America (KDCA) covers 239,000 square feet and sits in a 22-acre lot. It currently employs 400 full-time workers and has the potential to house close to 600 staff. Its 36,000-square-feet reflecting pool is visible from the Interstate 5.
On top of that, this facility demonstrates some environmental awareness. Kia is one of the first companies in Irvine to voluntarily install a bioswale system in its car park to remove silt and pollution from surface water runoff. The landscaping features drought-resistant plants, while reclaimed water is used for both irrigation and sanitation. The building’s glass exterior also meets the California Energy Commission’s requirements for energy efficiency standards. Isn’t that nice?
Photos: Kia
