COLUMBIAN Autocar Corp. (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in the Philippines, recently wrapped up its Kia Sorento Retention Program, a rewards program where a loyal Kia Sorento owner and brand supporter is awarded an all-expense paid, four-day trip to Seoul, South Korea.
Together with a companion, the winner gets to experience Korea’s rich culture and the Korean auto giant’s impressive manufacturing operations and research facilities.
This is the story of Kia advocate and owner Philip Sison, and how his preference for Kia vehicles brought him and his wife all the way to the Land of the Morning Calm!
Love for Kia runs in the family
“I have been a Kia owner for four years now. My first Kia purchase was a 2011 Kia Carnival LWB. I bought it for my wife and children because she likes to take road trips. It was a car that could sit us comfortably and take all our luggage, too,” Philip said.
“Later that year, I purchased a Kia Sorento LX 2WD and was very pleased with its performance. Maintenance servicing was quite easy as well,” he said.
“Then in 2012, I got a Kia Rio for the kids, something that was easy to drive and park” he added.
“I especially like my Kia Sorento because it is perfect for Metro Manila’s driving conditions. It boasts a higher ground clearance, flexible luggage compartment and passenger capacity, and a strong, responsive engine. It’s a comfortable yet fuel-efficient car, and people who have ridden with me have always appreciated its nice and powerful ride,” Philip said.
Philip noted that it has always been an easy decision to go with Kia vehicles.
“The 5-year vehicle warranty is clear proof of the quality of the product. After-sales support and service are very convenient and efficient too. Most importantly, the design and function of Kia vehicles suit my lifestyle and cater to my family’s needs,” he said.
A vibrant Kia experience
Being first-time visitors, Philip and his wife Anna Marie were very excited to discover more about Korea’s history, people, and culture, and to learn more about their trusted car brand.
“We visited the Kia Hwaseong Plant for a tour of the manufacturing facilities and test-drive of the all-new Sorento and the new generation Kia Grand Carnival,” Philip said.
“These vehicles were even more impressive when you see the state-of-the-art and first-world facilities of the Kia manufacturing plant. The all-new Sorento was noticeably more dynamic and responsive and definitely had a luxurious feel,” he said. “I have been a very happy and proud owner of a 2011 Sorento but this certainly makes me want to get this new model right away!” he added.
“We also went to the world-class Kia Namyang R&D Center, where among the most technologically advanced automotive research and testing facilities in the world exist,” Philip said. “This is where Kia houses over 11,000 automotive designers and engineers finding the best design and performance features for their cars,” he said.
“More than 7,000 competitors’ vehicles are also found here for head-to-head comparisons. Meticulous research and engineering are performed and perfected in these facilities to produce among the world’s best vehicles in terms of design, performance and safety,” he added. “From the plant, we then visited the Kia Global Headquarters, where top officials of Kia Motors Corp. met and briefed us about the company’s roots and history,” Philip said.
The trip also took the couple to Seoul’s famous sites like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower and Myungdong, to name a few.
They were also treated to authentic Korean cuisine for welcome and farewell dinners with other program recipients from Chile, Iraq, Jordan, Peru, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
In its maiden year, the Kia Sorento Retention Program proved to be a distinctive experience that loyal Kia patrons deserve. For Philip, it’s also a memory worth cherishing.
“My Kia Sorento has happily taken me to many places around Luzon. I’ve always felt that it was one of the best automotive investments I’ve ever made, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would take me to the land of its own birth, Korea,” he said.
“This special Kia experience not only showed us the highest levels of the Kia production processes and facilities, but it also showed us that the Korean culture of persistence in delivering the best products and services was at the heart of all this,” he added.
“It really gives us, Kia owners, added confidence that the vehicles we purchase and maintain are backed not just by one of the top Korean conglomerates but also by an entire nation that takes pride in the quality and efficiency of its products,” Philip said. “Our visit was truly a memorable and enriching experience that’s full of pleasant surprises,” he added.
To know more about the all-new Kia Sorento and the brand with the Power to Surprise, visit www.kia.com or www.facebook.com/kiainthephilippines.
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