Kia Motors America is cranking up the voltage for its customers, thanks to retail giant Amazon.com Inc.
Buyers interested in Kia’s lineup of plug-in vehicles such as the Soul EV, Niro EV, PHEV and Optima PHEV can now purchase a home charger and installation services through Amazon.
The Irvine-based automaker announced the new program last week. The service is also offered by Tesla for its fleet of cars and, more recently, Audi for buyers of its e-tron vehicles.
Shoppers can visit www.amazon.com/ChargeMyKia where they can select an upgraded Level 2, or 240-volt, charger, compared to the Kia-supplied 120V charger, and schedule an appointment with a licensed electrician, who can install an EV charger or 240V outlet if needed.
Kia’s 240V chargers can power up a car in less than three hours, about three times faster than the 120V offering.
Customers are shown upfront pricing for the services on Amazon. The chargers currently run from $549 to $764; professional installation can cost another $600 or so.
Kia’s Executive Director of Car Planning and Telematics Orth Hedrick said it “can’t get any easier.”
“Being able to order a Level 2 charger and installation through Amazon further demystifies and simplifies the experience for new Kia EV and PHEV owners,” Hedrick said in a statement.
Kia joins a number of automakers that have tapped into Amazon’s digital portal to help improve its customer experience and boost sales.
Last August, Fountain Valley-based automaker Hyundai Motor America launched a digital showroom in partnership with Amazon that allowed potential customers to explore its latest vehicles and technology.
5.11 Tactical Taps Gamers
Irvine-based tactical clothing and gear maker 5.11 Tactical Inc. said it will continue its partnership with French video game company Ubisoft Entertainment SA with this month’s release of “Tom Clancy’s The Division 2.”
Players of the shooter role playing game will be able to outfit their characters in 5.11 apparel and gear, a first for the series.
“We are excited to be continuing our partnership with Ubisoft and to be reaching a new consumer base through our involvement in The Division 2,” said Chief Marking Officer Debra Radcliff. “5.11’s apparel and gear are designed to perform in the most demanding missions, and we are especially happy to see our functional products provide added value to The Division 2 players as well.”
The customization option marks the third year 5.11 has linked arms with Ubisoft to allow its real-world products to be represented in the virtual world. 5.11 first had its products featured in 2016 for “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands” followed by 2018’s “Far Cry 5” video game.
For the first time this year, players will find that select 5.11 products will impact gameplay with the company saying in a statement, “the better gear you have, the better you’ll be able to perform.” Products featured in the game will include items such as Apex pants, Hazards backpacks, H.R.T. titanium watches and flag bearer cap.
Bits & Pieces
Irvine’s Too Faced Cosmetics is one of the companies cutting ties with YouTube influencer Olivia Jade, daughter of “Full House” actress Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli, founder of Irvine-based fashion brand Mossimo, following news of the college admissions scandal involving her parents and other notable executives and celebrities. Too Faced joined Sephora, Amazon, Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics, Unilever’s TRESemmé and a handful of other brands that will no longer work with the 19-year-old. … Cypress-based performance swimwear manufacturer TYR Sport re-signed two-time Olympic medalist and U.S. record holder Cody Miller this month to its roster of sponsored athletes. Miller is one of at least five athletes TYR has re-signed this year. … Hyundai Motor America retained Reno, Nev.-based Hansen Creative Inc. to manage the production of its Hyundai and Genesis 2020 car model brochures for North America, making it the 10th consecutive year Hyundai has partnered with Hansen. … Surfwear label Billabong, owned by Huntington Beach-based Boardriders Inc., named Evan Slater vice president of global marketing this month. Slater, who succeeds Scott Hargreaves, previously served as senior director of brand communications at Costa Mesa-based apparel firm Hurley.
