Kia is Trying Really Hard to Sell You a Stinger
Kia is opening interactive “Stinger Salons” in the U.S. so people can get a closeup look at its sports sedan without going to the dealership.
Designed to offer a modern and inviting atmosphere to learn about the new Kia Stinger, the Stinger Salons are opening just in time for holiday shopping season. Three locations are currently open in Bethesda, Maryland; Skokie, Illinois; and White Plains, New York; and additional locations are scheduled to debut soon in California, Georgia, and Texas. Those locations are expected to open within the first quarter of next year.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Kia Stinger Review | Kia Stinger GT Review
The Stinger Salon is a bit similar to a Tesla store, but Kia and Tesla aren’t the only automakers that have presences inside shopping malls. Luxury brands such as BMW offer a similar experience around the nation. But unlike Tesla, Kia isn’t allowed to sell a vehicle at the Stinger Salon, instead on-site specialists can refer those interested in the Stinger to one of Kia’s nearby dealerships.
“Stinger is a dream car and as we usher in a new era for the Kia brand we are doing something different to show people just how far Kia has come with a true gran turismo that has a faster top speed and zero to 60 time than a Porsche Panamera,” said Saad Chehab, vice president, marketing communications, KMA. “Whether you are a diehard enthusiast or a curious onlooker who has heard the buzz about the Stinger and Kia’s industry-leading quality, our salons are designed to take visitors on a journey and explore what makes the Stinger such a unique and special offering.”
Discuss this story on our Kia Stinger Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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If they want to sell these they can start by telling their greedy dealers that a 10k "market adjustment" is suicide. A big part of the car's appeal is that you can get a car as good as a BMW or Audi for 10k less. With a 10k markup they are now charging BMW money for a kia. I looked at an AWD GT trim today selling for 53k, MSRP was 43K, no thanks. I hope this goes away in a few months or these wont sell like they want them to.