NAIAS Blog: Kia

Bryan Joslin

Len Hunt, CEO of Kia Motors USA, delivered a rousing introduction for its 2009 Borrego SUV, which is based on the Mesa concept of 2006. Aimed at buyers who need towing capacity and overall strength, the Borrego uses body-on-frame construction and will offer a 300-horsepower V8 engine option that will tow up to 7500 pounds. Even the standard 3.8-liter V6 will still be capable of dragging 5000 pounds.

Hunt promised that this first-generation of Borrego will eventually offer a clean diesel engine, but offered no further details for now, except to say that it will be the first model to use the new engine.

Under the glitz and glam category, Kia celebrated its partnership with NBA as the official automotive sponsor of the basketball league by bringing out a host of former all-stars to shoot hoops for the crowd.