KIA — driving it home

It might be owned by a big company, but general manager Chuck Arbour insists KIA of Naples goes the extra mile to retain a small-town family atmosphere.

"Our customers aren't just numbers. We know their names and faces," said Arbour. "We are committed to service and the community. We take care of our customers no matter what they need."

Arbour, like many of his employees, has worked for the Phil Smith Automotive Group, which bought the dealership two years ago, for nearly a decade. With 15 other dealerships and 30 years' experience backing it, KIA of Naples will be around for some time to come.

"A lot of people don't know what a KIA is. We invite them to stop by and take the KIA experience," said Arbour. "We'll give them all the information they need for their comparison shopping. We have the power to surprise them."

There are a few things that should pique one's interest right off the bat. Like, the five-year/60,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000 mile limited power train warranties that come standard with every model.

Or, the fact KIA makes the only mini-van to receive all stars from the National Highway Safety and National Insurance Institutes making it the safest mini-van in America.

"When you say KIA, you should think safety," said Arbour, who likens the name recognition to that associated with Volvo.

"There are six air bags that come standard in every model, and so does a 12,000 mile/12 month road hazard warranty on the tires. Why should anyone pay extra for safety features when they can have this peace-of-mind?"

Photo by DONN BROWN, Collier Citizen

KIA of Naples General Manager Charles J. Arbour stands in the showroom at 1472 Airport Road.

Founded as a manufacturer of bicycle parts in 1947, KIA has expanded its line to include missile guidance systems and heavy trucks in addition to automobiles, which are sold worldwide. Its international presence may well justify the name KIA that means "...rising out of the sun." Arbour is more impressed with what happens here.

"Sales nationally are up 2.6 percent, but regionally we're upwards of nine percent," he said. "People want the best value for their dollar.

Just because someone has some extra money and a house on Marco, doesn't mean they have to buy a Mercedes." KIA's entry-level Rio gets up to 44 miles per gallon and is packed with standard features such as air conditioning, CD player and air bags for just under $11,000. The top-of-the-line Amanti is strictly luxury, according to Arbour, who puts it in a class with the Lincoln LS or Cadillac CTS.

The Amanti is loaded with standard features like a navigational unit and heated seat, but you'll pay $15-20,000 less than the sticker price on other comparable full size sedans.

"Spending $20-45,000 to purchase a car is a big ordeal," Arbour continued. "That's why service is first and foremost." He pointed to the corporation's user-friendly website, www.kia.com, and the dealership's hours as proof.

"We want to accommodate working people, who don't have much spare time," he said. "Sunday, after church, is a good time to look at new cars."

• Located at 1472 Airport Road South, KIA of Naples is open for sales from 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and for service from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The showroom is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and the service department from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays, and the sales division is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays.