Kia is dominating the electric vehicle market recently, and the brand-new, upcoming fast-charging Kia EV3 is no exception.
EV3 External Specs
The Kia EV3 fits somewhere between a subcompact and compact SUV, a crossover in concept that packs as many features as possible in a smaller package. This FWD, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV will offer a 201 hp motor and 81.4 kWh, fast-charging battery with an estimated range of 300 all-electric miles. That’s enough power and speed for a reasonable 0-62 mph acceleration in 8 seconds on-track estimate. The EV3 will also be their first car to use Kia’s new iPedal 3.0 tech, letting you change the aggressiveness of regenerative braking during one-pedal driving.
Interior
A boxy exterior can only mean one thing: plenty of space inside. The Kia EV3’s cabin allows you the freedom to spread out despite the raised floor height. On the dash, a 30-inch driver information cluster and infotainment screen show you everything from climate and volume controls to speed and mileage, all powered by the same ccNC operating system and an AI voice assistant. The vehicle will also have electric capabilities outside of driving like powering small appliances – which will be useful on adventures.
The EV3 also takes eco-friendliness and sustainability to the next level through a sugar-cane-based dashboard, recycled polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the carpet and headliners, and exterior panels made from recycled Kia parts!
How to Get the New Kia EV3
Regrettably, a bit of patience is required before the arrival of one of the most distinctive small EV SUVs in the US market. The EV3 is set to debut in Korea in July 2024, with plans for subsequent expansion into North American and European markets. While EV3s are expected to become available for orders sooner, they’re projected to officially hit the market in early 2026. With an estimated starting price of $35,000, the anticipation surrounding the EV3 comes as no surprise.
Year after year, Kia continues to knock it out of the park in the EV market. While everyone waits patiently for the EV3, start your electric journey by joining the Kia EV family at Savage Kia. We have a variety of new and pre-owned Kia Electric Vehicles to fit your needs before you add the EV3 to your fleet. Visit us today for service, specials, test drives, financing, and more!
Must-See Festivals in Reading this June
The kids are home from school and the weather is great, what’s there to do in Reading? Plenty! Summer brings a flurry of festivals, inviting you to venture out, enjoy delicious food, and immerse yourself in new experiences.
Liederkranz Wurst Fest
Join us in celebrating German culture at Wurst Fest! Indulge in a delectable array of sausages, from traditional bratwurst to exotic varieties, paired perfectly with pretzels, sauerkraut, strudels, and more. Experience the widest selection of bratwursts and German delights on June 8th, 2024, from 5 pm to 10 pm at Reading Liederkranz. Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. Willkommen alles!
Spring Fiesta
A free family fiesta featuring some of Berks’ best tacos, Muhlenberg Township welcomes you to Spring Fiesta 2024. Come out to Jim Dietrich Park on Saturday, June 8th between 11 am and 9 pm to enjoy amazing food, ice-cold drinks, vendors, live music, and other entertainment from bull riding to piñatas!
Art on the Avenue
Celebrating its 30th year, West Reading’s Art on the Avenue returns on June 15th to showcase the work of local and regional artists, businesses, vendors, and musicians. Named the biggest event in West Reading, Art on the Avenue offers art of all forms over four blocks of North 6th Avenue. More than 200 vendors make up this free event to bring back the local community together to celebrate music, art, and food. The event is rain or shine from 11 am to 7 pm.
Berks Celtic Festival
Brought to you by the Berks Irish American Fraternal Association, the 18th Annual Berks Celtic Festival promises to bring great music, entertainment, and food. The BCIAFA promotes the Celtic Festival as a fundraiser to acquire their own site – until then, the Berks Celtic Festival takes place at the Reading Liederkranz from 11 am to 9 pm on June 29th. Early bird tickets are $12 or $15 at the door!
Festival Season in Style
With so many festivals and events this summer, it’s important to arrive safely and in style! At Savage Kia we have many great Kia models to help you cruise around Reading and Berks County from festival to festival. Our 2024 Kia Sportage has great fuel efficiency and is a Top Safety Pick for a smooth and safe ride wherever you go. Visit or contact us today to see our entire stock of trusted Kias!
Who’s That Kia?
Can you guess the model of our new 2025 Kia lineup? Could it be a Kia K4? Maybe a Kia Odyssey? Or perhaps something completely new? Whatever your preferences, these freshly launched models won’t keep you guessing about their new features, stunning design, and unbeatable quality.
2025 Kia Model No. 1
This luxury vehicle brings a few updates since its significant 2021 facelift.
It’s the luxurious 2025 Kia K9! Despite an unsuccessful initial release with the K900, the K9 has been refining itself since 2021. For 2025, changes for the K9 include a revamped front grille and the addition of a Pebble Gray body color. The new After Blow technology feature is engineered to eliminate condensation from the AC system, activating automatically for 10 minutes to ensure clarity. For those seeking ultimate comfort from a luxury vehicle, the front passenger seat now incorporates massage features for maximum relaxation! Choose from two powertrains in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and between a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine or a 3.80-liter V6 engine to match your performance preferences.
2025 Kia Model No. 2
This 2025 SUV is getting major updates inside and out despite only hitting the U.S. market in 2022.
It’s the 2025 Kia Carnival! With updates to its grille, headlamps, tail lamps, wheels, and lower body panels, the Carnival has had a full update to bring it into the modern era. Inside, the center console has had some revisions and the climate control panel is now separately mounted on the dashboard for better visibility. Ultimately, these updates bring the 2025 model more in line with Kia’s brand standards and goals for the model year.
Performance-wise, the Carnival’s 3.5-liter V-6 eight-speed engine dishes 287-hp, accelerating from 0 to 60 MPH in roughly 7 seconds. While a little less powerful, the Hybrid powertrain offers 242-hp of smooth cruising.
2025 Kia Model No. 3
This mid-size sport sedan offers interior updates with ample space in its cabin, delivering a lot for its reasonable price.
It’s the 2025 Kia K5! The 2025 model offers various performance options depending on your preferences, including raw speed and power, stability, and traction with all-wheel drive, or more luxurious cosmetic features. Every GT-line comes standard with a sportier body kit, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging. The premium package includes adaptive cruise control, advanced forward-collision warning, and full LED headlights. The K5 GT also boasts a rated 24 mpg city and 32 highway fuel economy for longer, more economical trips.
2025 Kia Model No. 4
This all-electric model may not undergo significant changes for its 2025 update, but it’s unveiling a special surprise for its 2024 release.
It’s the Kia EV9! While the 2024 model offers some of the highest all-electric mileage and fastest charging times in the market, 2025 introduces the release of the EV9 GT. Promising ‘enormous power,’ the EV9 GT is announced to be capable of reaching 0 to 62 mph in under four seconds and offering over 379-hp. This model is also set to receive upgrades to brakes and suspension, while likely maintaining a fuel efficiency of 270 miles on a single charge.
Visit Us For Updates
At Savage Kia we won’t keep you in the dark about the quality of our vehicles! Visit us today for help choosing and financing your new, used, or certified pre-owned Kia vehicle. We have a variety of models, trims, and fuel type automobiles to choose from and a helpful team that’s here to make the process as easy as possible. We look forward to seeing you!
The EV9 Won the 2024 World Car Awards, Twice
Last week in New York City, the World Car Awards ceremony took place at the New York Auto Show. The Kia EV9 entered the event as an award hopeful, and it emerged from it with a rare dual victory.
The EV9 took home a pair of prestigious titles: World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. It marked the EV9’s fourth and fifth wins at the World Car Awards since 2020. While the EV9 is a no-brainer for EV awards – considering it’s quickly become the gold standard for all-electric capability – the World Car of the Year award is a testament to how well-rounded the EV9 truly is.
And the Award Goes To…
The World Car Awards were established two decades ago, in 2003. They are globally recognized as a premier standard for automotive excellence and leadership within a constantly transforming industry. When a car takes home an award, it’s not due to a small sample size of voters; over 100 distinguished automotive journalists representing 29 countries comprise the event’s jury. This year, the world was united in its love for the Kia EV9.
The EV9’s dual victory is a rarity; think the Best International Feature Film also taking home Best Picture at the Academy Awards. (Fun movie trivia: only 2020’s Parasite has done this.) However, it’s hardly the only award that Kia’s all-electric SUV has walked away with in recent months. In addition to the pair of World Car Awards trophies, the EV9 claimed multiple wins at the Golden Steering Wheel Awards and the Newsweek Autos Awards.
A Refined Electric Experience
What differentiates the 2024 EV9 from past models to propel it to such a commanding victory? For starters, it marks Kia’s first dedicated three-row SUV, yet still retains superior power and performance specs. The EV9’s resume includes 379 hp, 516 lb.-ft. of torque, and a towing capacity of over 5,000 lbs.
Exceptionally accessible, the EV9 comfortably eschews all concerns pertaining to modern electric vehicles. Its innovative charging system allows for ultra-fast, 350kW DC fast charging, capable of elevating your charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes. The EV9 is compatible with a charging network that includes over 41,000 charging stations across the country. With an EPA-estimated range of over 300 miles, your chances of running out of charge on the road are slimmer than ever before.
Comfort to Spare
As if that wasn’t enough, the EV9 offers a level of luxury unparalleled in rival all-electric SUVs. Occupants of the first two rows enjoy heated lounge seats that offer power leg rests and power extendable footrests. Third row passengers have access to USB-C charging ports and an abundance of shoulder and hip room. Overall, the EV9 stands apart from the competition when it comes to legroom and cargo space.
Meanwhile, the EV9’s Digital Cockpit features over two feet of combined digital instrumentation. Its infotainment system performs automatic vehicle software updates, keeping you up-to-date on the latest tech. The EV9’s long list of driver-friendly features includes:
- Surround View Monitoring
- Full Display Mirror
- Head-Up Display
- Remote Smart Parking Assist 2
Go Electric Today
If you’ve been looking for the opportunity to switch to electric, look no further than the EV9. It’s the rare SUV where the powertrain almost becomes an afterthought, because the total experience is so complete.
Here at Savage Kia, we’re your home for the latest in electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition to the EV9, you can check out the dynamic, all-electric Kia EV6 crossover. Or explore the versatility of hybrid power with the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Schedule your test drive today and discover why the EV9’s various awards aren’t feathers in Kia’s cap, but the start of an exciting new chapter.
Here at Savage Kia, we’re starting to feel the madness burn. Last night was Selection Sunday, meaning that 68 men’s and women’s teams from the world of college basketball officially punched their ticket into this season’s big tournament.
So while we have hoops on the mind, we thought we’d take this Monday to flash back to one of the more impressive feats in the history of slam dunking a basketball: former Los Angeles Clippers star and athletic demon dunking over a full-size Kia.
Setting the Stage
The year was 2011. Blake Griffin was in the midst of his rookie season for the Clippers. Until a series of injuries throughout his career limited his athleticism (he went through a two year period from 2019-2021 where he didn’t dunk once), he was primarily known for one thing: dunking basketballs very hard. Thus, he was a no-brainer for 2011’s dunk contest, which also happened to be in L.A.
But no one knew if this violent style of dunking would translate to dunking… while jumping over a car. Doubts were assuaged when teammate Baron Davis – poking out of the Kia’s sunroof in the bit’s funniest visual gag– connected with Griffin on a perfect lob pass, which Griffin emphatically threw down over the hood of a 2011 Kia Optima.
Amusingly, despite the spectacle of the moment – the Kia being brought onto the court, a full choir along for the ride – there’s so little buildup to Griffin’s actual dunk that the broadcast almost missed the attempt. (He’d soon learn there’s nothing wrong with some occasional showmanship.) But the moment is preserved through replays, parodies, and of course the reaction of Spike Lee and all else assembled.
Do We Know Where That Kia Optima Is Today?
We actually do! Thanks to an investigative report from The Ringer in 2021, commemorating its tenth anniversary, they discovered that Oklahoma resident Michael Longa purchased the car in 2015.
Griffin’s signature still emblazons the steering wheel, and Longa drives it every day. As of 2021, the car had accrued 89,000 miles. Though Longa claimed the Kia could fetch a high value – seeing as how it’s the one that Blake Griffin dunked over – but he’s content if he never learns the true price.
Put Yourself in a Kia Today
Of course, today, the Optima lives on under the K5 moniker (its original South Korean name). And it’s exciting times at Kia, as they’re set to reveal the new K4 later this week at the New York International Auto Show. As for Kia’s relationship with the NBA, things have only gotten stronger with the Orlando Magic changing the name of their arena to the Kia Center late last year.
You can find the K5 on our lot here at Savage Kia, along with hundreds of new and certified pre-owned vehicles. With Kia, you’ll find reliable, high-performance vehicles – regardless of whether a famous athlete has dunked over them.
Five Engine Sounds You Shouldn’t Be Ignoring
While there are some notable exceptions – Optimus Prime and KITT come to mind – our automobiles do not communicate in English. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that your car does have a way of speaking to you. It just may not be a sound you want to hear.
The difference between the normal sounds your car produces and more alarming noises can be subtle, yet it’s imperative you don’t ignore anything. You wouldn’t disregard a fellow human’s plea for help; your car is doing the same thing, striving to make you realize what’s wrong with it and the measures you can take to help.
At Savage Kia, we’re always vigilant for unusual engine noises. Here’s an overview of different noises your vehicle might make – and significantly, what these noises might imply.
Squealing / Chirping
High-frequency squeaks are more than just a continuous irritation for the driver – they often signal a slack or worn belt. If you detect the squeaking or screeching starts from your engine, it might be your serpentine belt, which powers your alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. If you believe this is the case, request a service appointment immediately, as an impaired belt can result in overheating, loss of power steering – and a substantial repair invoice.
However, before doing so, ensure that the squeaking isn’t originating from your brakes. Manufacturers deliberately incorporate a small piece of metal in your brake pads, generating a loud squawk to notify you that your brake pads are wearing thin. Monitoring your brakes pads’ condition is vital, but brake pad replacement is much more commonplace (and less pricey) than replacing your serpentine belt.
Knocking / Tapping / Pinging
It’s not someone trapped in your hood (hopefully). A dull thumping or ticking sound from the engine could signify an issue with the engine bearings. These bearings sustain the engine’s rotating parts – and they’re not shy about warning you when they’re waning.
Alternatively, it could be an issue tied to poor fuel quality or aged spark plugs – both can cause further harm or engine failure. To prevent this, get in touch with our Service Department promptly at the first hint of these assertive noises.
Rattling / Clanking
If you hear something rumbling in your engine, it’s one of the most directly alarming car noises. It’s a warning that something – possibly vital for your safety – is disconnected or misplaced. If you’ve looked under your bonnet and are unsure about what could be amiss, let a professional inspect it.
A soft rattling or deep rumble could be a more urgent warning, as it usually indicates a deteriorating catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the only solution in this situation is to entirely swap out the converter. Abide by a regular maintenance schedule, and hopefully, you won’t reach this point.
Whoosing / Hissing
Usually, these sounds are consequences of a leak in the exhaust system. If disregarded, this leak can diminish both engine performance and fuel economy. This leak could originate in a number of places: holes in the muffler, catalytic converter, or exhaust manifold are all potential leakage points. Thankfully, our Parts Center has everything you need to reinstate balance to your vehicle and have it running smoothly once again.
A prolonged hissing could also be due to coolant leakage or the vehicle’s cooling system overheating. If you suspect your car is overheating, pull over and find a spot to park immediately – for both your personal safety and the well-being of your engine.
Transmission Grinding
Constant grinding noises often originate from transmission issues and are most discernible when shifting or modifying gears. (Automatic transmissions create jerking and shaking rather than a grinding sound.) Watch for other signals of a failing transmission, like leaking fluid, a burnt smell, or a power deficit. Consult with a knowledgeable or certified professional soon to avoid hefty transmission repair expenses.
Bask in the Silence
The most soothing noise your vehicle can generate is no noise at all. A quiet engine is a sound engine, and at Savage Kia, we’re more than willing to give your vehicle the silent treatment. Trust in our team of experienced technicians for tire replacements, oil changes, and any other required service.
When abnormal sounds persist, it may be time to consider a new vehicle. Bring your old car to Savage Kia and exchange it for a new or certified used Kia. From the subcompact Kia Rio to the enchantingly demure Sorento Hybrid, our vehicles purr like kittens and drive like clouds.
When you picture the perfect family vehicle, what are some things that come to mind? Spaciousness, no doubt, as any family-friendly SUV needs ample room for inevitable backseat shenanigans. An array of high-tech features and other amenities is probably high on the list. And of course, no family car is worth investing in unless it comes with top safety marks.
The 2024 Kia Telluride checks off all those boxes and then some. So, it should come as no surprise that it’s been named the Best Family Car of 2024 by Cars.com.
Here at Savage Kia, we’re proud to be Reading’s home for these trailblazing SUVs, available in a variety of trims and ready to be driven off our lot. Read on for more info about the new Telluride: the premium SUV with mainstream appeal.
All In the Family
The Telluride, a midsize crossover SUV with three-row seating, debuted in 2019. It’s the largest vehicle Kia has ever produced in the United States. The Telluride’s name derives from an old gold mining town in Colorado, evoking the SUV’s adventurous spirit. But whether you take the Telluride off-road or exclusively use it for soccer practice, the Telluride was designed with families in mind.
“The Kia Telluride is an ideal family vehicle with a focus on value,” said Jenni Newman, editor-in-chief at Cars.com. “Its three rows, spaciousness and safety features provide families with an excellent option to hit the road in – and it’s easily our Best Family Car of 2024.”
In addition to the Telluride’s win, the Kia Seltos was named a finalist for Cars.com’s Best Car of 2024 title, and the Sorento was nominated for Best SUV of 2024.
A New Way to Ride in 2024
It should have been impossible for the 2024 Telluride to top the 2023 model’s extensive redesign. Yet the latest Telluride comes with a series of enhancements that helped elevate the reliable midsize SUV into an award winner.
Upgraded styling gives the Telluride a look that’s both fresh and rugged. Amber daylight running lights are included for the first time. Its returning, naturally aspirated V-6 engine ensures a smooth ride for the whole family, and it’s now capable of handling up to 5,500 pounds of towing.
A sense of luxury defines the refined three-row cabin, capable of seating seven or eight passengers. You’ll find an abundance of storage capacity throughout the interior, in addition to the SUV’s many features. A 12.3-inch touchscreen offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and onboard Wi-Fi. A 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system and wireless smartphone charging are also included.
Safety First
All the aesthetic upgrades in the world wouldn’t make a difference if the Telluride wasn’t also a leader in safety. The 2024 Kia Telluride comes standard with Kia’s DriveWise driving and parking assistance technologies, including:
- Highway Driving Assist 2
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (with Stop & Go)
- Auto Emergency Braking Technology (with Junction Crossing Detection)
- Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse
(Tellu)Ride Off in One Today
There’s never been a better time to put yourself behind the wheel of a Kia. With the Telluride making a leap, the Seltos and Sorento collecting accolades, and the EV9 redefining all-electric capabilities, the future has never been brighter for Kia. You can become part of that future today by scheduling your test drive at Savage Kia.
It’s been said that driving a Kia is like driving a cloud. That cloud now seats your entire family – and the sky is the limit.
Let’s be real for a moment: the last time a dealer recommended a tire rotation, did you think you were being hustled? That’s understandable! The majority of dealerships and manufacturers do a poor job of explaining what tire rotation and balancing involves, leaving drivers to suspect it’s just another addition to your bill.
In reality, rotating and balancing your tires regularly is the most surefire way to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of the engineering experts here at Savage Kia, here’s why you should make tire rotations a regular part of your maintenance routine.
What Exactly Is Tire Rotation?
Tire rotation is actually quite a simple process. It involves moving your tires from one area of your car to another. Typical tire rotation follows the same pattern: with front-wheel-drive cars, front tires typically get shifted straight back, while the rear tires are moved to opposite sides on the front. The opposite applies for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, in which the rear tires are moved straight forward, while the front wheels are moved to opposite sides of the rear.
You don’t need to rotate your tires excessively – the recommended interval is 5,000 to 8,000 miles – but requesting a tire rotation whenever you get an oil change (or at least every other time) is a safe habit to get into. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure or abnormal vibrations when steering, these could be signals that your tires are ready to relocate.
Okay, I Know What Tire Rotation Is. But Why Is It Important?
So just why is it so important for your vehicle to play musical tires like this? Tire rotation prevents uneven tire wear caused by the front of your car being heavier than the rear. By balancing the tread on your tires, you can enjoy a smoother ride without any vibrations. Additionally, this provides better traction on slippery or narrow roads, improving your overall safety while driving.
On the other hand, an uneven tread on your tires can lead to faster wear and deflation, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency. That’s why tire rotation is vital not only for preserving the health of your tires, but also for the well-being of your engine. If the air pressure in your tires remains low, it may be time to time to explore the Kia Tire Source for a replacement set.
So Then… What’s Tire Balancing?
When balancing, mechanics use a machine to confirm that the weight of the tire and wheel are balanced. If they’re unequal, small lead weights are attached to the rim of the wheel until an equilibrium is attained.
Keeping your tires balanced goes hand in hand with regular rotations, as both procedures adhere to the same suggested timelines. If you choose to rotate and balance your tires during each oil change, many garages will provide them as a complimentary service.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
Schedule your service appointment with Savage Kia today, and drive off out lot with your tires right where they should be. From the Sportage to the Sorento Hybrid, we’ve got all the newest Kia models, ensuring that 2024 is the year you find the perfect balance to support your automotive lifestyle.
The Kia Niro is the Best of Both Worlds
It’s easy to look at hybrid cars and see an identity crisis; when gas and electric offer such divergent experiences, what do you make of a vehicle that audaciously offers both? But that’s exactly why the future rests in hybrids like the Kia Niro.
For many manufacturers, hybridization involves some compromise between gas and electricity. With the Niro, however, Kia delivers the best of both worlds. Take its plug-in model, which lets you go all-electric for short commutes, while still retaining traditional fuel techniques for longer trips. Altogether, the Niro is affordable, perfect for the whole family, and an ideal jumping-on point for anyone interested in EVs.
Niro To Our Hearts
Kia first introduced the Niro’s hybrid version back in 2016. Unlike traditional hybrids, the first generation Niro utilized a dual-clutch transmission. Following this, a plug-in variant made its debut towards the end of 2017 and was then introduced to the United States in early 2018. Later the same year, Kia unveiled the all-electric version of the Niro, completing a triumvirate of electric options.
Now in its second generation, the Niro has evolved into a complete EV in every sense. Its all-electric model boasts an impressive EPA-estimated range of 285 miles. Its styling has undergone bold and futuristic redesign, and the already-roomy cabin has become even more spacious without sacrificing storage space. If you’ve been contemplating the switch to electric but have had concerns regarding range and family-based practicality, the Niro is your answer.
What ultimately sets the Niro apart is its versatility and accessibility. All three variants are tailor-made to support different automotive lifestyles, and all three are kept free of fuss and gimmicks. With the Niro, you get an extremely satisfying, straightforward vehicle that’s as electric-focused as you’d like it to be.
Charged Up Today, Ready for Tomorrow
There’s never been a better time to join the EV movement, thanks in part to the ever-expanding selection of charging stations in the Reading area. Nearby public charging stations include:
- ChargePoint Charging Station on 815 Lancaster Ave., Reading, PA 19607
- ChargePoint Charging Station on 1015 Lancaster Ave., Reading, PA 19607
- ChargePoint Charging Station on 210 George St., Reading, PA 19607
- Volta Charging Station in the Shillington Shopping Center, Reading, PA 19607
- Destination Charging Center on 701 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601
If that’s not enough, the Niro includes a satellite navigation system that, when you direct it to a charging point, preps the battery for a more efficient charge.
Drive Off in an EV Today
With over 70 new electric vehicles expected to debut over the next two or three years, EVs are clearly here to stay. Here at Savage Kia, we strive to bring you the latest in EVs and hybrids, from the Sorento hybrid to the award-winning, all-electric Kia EV9.
Stop in at Savage Kia today and explore which EV option may be right for you. With our versatile selection of new and pre-owned cars, you’re sure to drive away in the ride that best suits you and your family.
Kia’s New Partnership with the NBA is Pure Magic
The Amway Center, Orlando’s premier downtown entertainment arena – and home of the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic – is going by a new name starting today. This morning, on December 20th, the team officially announced the Amway Center is henceforth to be called the Kia Center.
The Kia Center is a fairly new arena, having opened in October 2010. It will be the first time in the Magic’s history that the complex goes by anything other than Amway; their original home venue, the Amway Arena, was built in 1989, and Amway retained naming rights when the team announced the new arena in 2009. Today, for the first time in 34 years, that changes.
In addition to the Magic, the Kia Center will host games for the Orlando Predators, a National Arena League team, and the Orlando Solar Bears of the mid-level professional ice hockey league the ECHL. The arena also hosts various concerts throughout the year, with past performers ranging from Paul McCartney to Dua Lipa.
But the Orlando Magic, one of the rising teams in the NBA, is the jewel in the crown here for Kia. Read on to learn a bit more about the Magic’s history and why the turnaround they’re currently experiencing might not be an illusion.
Magical History Tour
The Magic began their life as an expansion team back in 1989. They’d proceed to make two NBA Finals appearances (winning neither) behind the play of two dominant franchise centers: Shaquille O’Neal in 1995 and Dwight Howard in 2009. Coincidentally, both big men would later be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
After trading Howard in 2012, the franchise searched for a new direction to no avail. Though they made back-to-back playoff appearances in 2019 and 2020, they were quickly dispatched in the first round both times. You could even argue that the franchise’s highlight during this decade was the dunk contest performance put on by star Aaron Gordon in 2016 (which Gordon still wound up losing, to the Bulls’ Zach LaVine).
After bottoming out in the 2020-’21 season with a record of 21-51, the Magic were compensated with the fifth pick in the NBA draft, which they used to select Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs. The following year, after a 22-60 campaign, they were awarded the draft’s top pick and walked away with Duke star Paulo Banchero.
The State of the Magic
It’s a good time to get into business with the Orlando Magic, one of the NBA’s most exciting young franchises. After undergoing a rebuild that began in earnest in 2020, Orlando’s ascent has begun. Nearly a third of the way through the NBA’s regular season, the team sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 16-9 – comfortably ahead of even the most optimistic projections.
Along with Banchero and Suggs, the Magic’s young core is comprised of forward Franz Wagner (the eighth pick in 2021) and sixth man guard Cole Anthony (pick 15 in 2020). Banchero and Wagner are both averaging 20 points per game, while Suggs is enjoying the best shooting season of his young career. Thrillingly, all four players are 23 years of age or younger.
But the difference with this year’s Magic squad might be depth. In addition to their Core Four, Orlando also has Franz’s older brother Mo Wagner coming off their bench, alongside proven veterans such as Gary Harris and Jonathan Isaac. (Though he’s currently injured, the Magic have also taken on a reclamation project in former number one draft pick Markelle Fultz, which has started to pay some dividends.)
Orlando is still looking up at Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia in the East standings – three teams with championship aspirations and tons of playoff experience between them. In comparison, this Magic team is inexperienced, unproven… and maybe just hungry enough where that won’t make a difference.
Time will tell whether the Magic are a year ahead of schedule or ready to compete with the big boys immediately. But for the first time in over a decade, projecting the Magic’s future requires no sleight of hand – making this the perfect time for Kia to get in on the ride.
Make Your Next Vehicle a Slam Dunk
Every trip to Savage Kia is a no-doubt swish thanks to our comprehensive, constantly updated inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. Get in today to check out thrilling sports cars like the 2023 Stinger and dependable SUVs such as the forthcoming 2024 Telluride.
The Orlando Magic may be a few years away from true championship contention, but after four straight first-round exits dating back to 2011, the crystal ball is starting to shine brightly on their future. Meanwhile, you’ll leave Savage Kia feeling like an immediate champion – and your future is whatever you choose to make it.
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