Kia relaunches a more ‘aggressive’ CPO

Kia Canada is expecting more from its updated certified pre-owned program. The goal is 2,800.
    
The automaker’s director of sales, Jack Ucziwek, said sales were up 54 per cent in the first quarter of the year even before the latest version was unveiled April 1.

“We’re on pace to sell 2,800 to 3,000,” Ucziwek said.

But with a goal of increasing its lease penetration this year, the automaker couldn’t afford to glide along with the old program, no matter how successful.

New features include a 135-point inspection – up from 65, and a new warranty – up from 12 months/12,000 km to 24 months/40,000 km. The $100 deductible on repairs is gone.

Subvented rates range from 0.9 to 4.5 per cent.

Sweeteners include a free oil change and 90 days of free satellite radio service.

To qualify, a Kia has to be younger than six-years-old and have fewer than 120,000 km on the odometer.

All vehicles come with a CarProof history report and 24-hour roadside assistance as well as a 30 day/2,000 km exchange option.

Dealers must use OEM parts to qualify the car.

“We want the vehicle to be as close to OEM specifications as a new one,” he said.

Ucziwek said the average age of a Kia CPO vehicle is three years. That’s old enough to make a CPO vehicle “substantially” cheaper than a new one and a real option for the thrifty shopper.

“For those on a budget, the 24-month warranty, the 135-point inspection, and OEM parts bring the peace of mind for the initial couple of years of ownership.”

Kia Canada insists its dealers sign an agreement spelling out the rules. To discourage corner cutting, he said that there would be field audits.

Dealers will register all CPO vehicles on the automaker’s website for shoppers’ convenience.

“The prices of used Kias are up substantially. They are popular and scarce,” he said. So the fleet department will run the program.

“They deal with the rental companies, leasing companies and auctions,” he said. “They will try to channel as many cars to the CPO program and to the Kia dealer body,’ he said.

Ucziwek predicted an “aggressive” marketing campaign would match the sales goals.