KIA opens up a GALAXY of possibilities

Ever wished you could peer into the silicon mind of a modern car? A new partnership between Kia and Samsung and brought to market by Cycle & Carriage Kia Pte Ltd will allow Kia customers to do just that and more.

From 10 June 2011 onwards, all units of the award-winning Kia Forte family will come with a Samsung Galaxy Tab, supplied to the customer at no additional charge. While the revolutionary tablet computer with its 7-inch touchscreen offers no end of electronic wizardry through countless apps for the Android operating system, Kia customers will receive units that are specially preloaded with exclusive software to enable them to interface with their beloved new Forte – be it a stylish Cerato Forte sedan, an exciting Forte Koup or a practical Forte Hatchback.

The Kia Car Management System (Kia CMS) is an app that enables the Samsung Galaxy Tab to connect with the engine management systems of the Kia Forte family, thereby providing a means of intimate communication through which customers will be able to best understand their cars and monitor their mechanical condition.

The data link-up is facilitated wirelessly, though a Bluetooth connectivity module that plugs directly into the car’s OBD-II (or On Board Diagnostics II) engine management port.

Once car and tablet are ‘paired’, the Kia CMS app is able to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the car in four primary ways:

·               Car Diagnosis

By interpreting the OBD-II signals from the engine management system, the Samsung Galaxy Tab will be able to make available a constant stream of diagnosis information from the customer’s Kia.

This would allow the customer to keep immediate and constant tabs on such parameters as the engine and transmission condition, the levels of key fluids such as engine coolant or oil, battery voltage and so on.

Indeed, the information available is of the level used by professionals for their own diagnostic activities, and is readily presented to the customer at the touch of the Galaxy Tab’s screen.

The Diagnosis functions of course provide two essential benefits: small faults can be spotted and addressed before they snowball into larger, more complicated problems, and on the flipside, the information has the potential to save customers an unnecessary trip to the workshop, in search of a fault that might not be there.

·               Economical Driving

The Eco Driving screen of the Kia CMS app is able to continuously monitor the fuel consumption of the vehicle, along with parameters that impact fuel use, such as speed and engine rpm.

Based on this collection of data, the app provides clear information about the status of fuel usage in a way that enables the driver to readily adjust his driving in order to eke out better mileage, keeping score on his progress at all times. Samsung’s internal tests have shown that diligent use of the Eco Driving function can improve fuel mileage by as much as 30 percent.

·               Supply Notice

The usage of consumable items can also be monitored by the Kia CMS, to help ensure that they are replaced in a timely manner and on schedule, whether according to mileage intervals or service time life.

Replacing consumable parts in timely fashion is of course crucial in getting the most out of any car. Changing filters and fluids on time, for example, would prevent excessive wear and tear of the engine and keep it running at optimal efficiency.

It’s also a good way to prevent breakdowns or worse, engine failure. There are also safety benefits to sound supplies management. Worn brake linings, for example, pose a hazard to customers but can be difficult to spot. Not with the Kia CMS, though.

·               Owner’s Manual

Finally, all key information about the Kia Forte model range will be available at the touch of the Galaxy Tab’s screen, thanks to the Owner’s Manual stored within the Kia CMS app.

The e-Manual provides care, maintenance and operation information to users so as to bring ease-of-use to the ownership experience with their new Kia.

Overall, the Galaxy Tab and Kia CMS app combine to put a powerful tool in the Forte customer’s hands, one that allows Kia Forte drivers to communicate with their cars on the most intimate of levels.

“I’m very excited about providing our customers with Galaxy Tabs, which will hopefully enable them to build a unique bond with their new Kia,” said Chin Kee Min, Senior Manager for Kia Operations at Cycle & Carriage. “Reading the data off the unique Kia Car Management System app is like peering into the very soul of your car. As a result, you will get to know it intimately and hopefully, get the best performance out of it for years to come.”

Whether through improved fuel economy, extended car lifespan or the avoidance of breakdowns, Kia customers can look forward to a host of benefits simply by making use of the Android assistance that now comes standard with every new Forte model.