In an automotive market grappling with elevated vehicle prices and consumers' shrinking disposable income, Kia has remarkably achieved its best sales month to date, surpassing 80,000 units sold. This milestone was largely propelled by the strong performance of its crossover and SUV segments, notably the Sportage and Telluride models, which saw significant growth. Conversely, the company's electric vehicle offerings, including the EV6 and EV9, experienced a downturn in sales, highlighting a mixed performance across its diverse lineup. This achievement signifies Kia's strategic success in navigating a complex economic environment, emphasizing its focus on popular segments while facing challenges in the evolving EV sector.
The South Korean automaker's August sales surge is particularly noteworthy given the broader industry's concerns about a potential economic slowdown. Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations for Kia America, confirmed the record-breaking figures, underscoring the company's trajectory towards its third consecutive annual sales record and an unprecedented market share. This success is a testament to Kia's ongoing efforts to enhance vehicle quality and perceived value, appealing to a consumer base increasingly conscious of both cost and features.
A closer look at individual model performances reveals a nuanced picture. The Kia Sportage, recently redesigned for the 2023 model year, demonstrated a robust 19% increase in sales during August, moving over 18,000 units. Similarly, the Kia Telluride, another popular SUV, mirrored this success with a 19% jump in sales year-over-year, reaching 12,177 units. The Kia Carnival minivan also saw an impressive 29% increase compared to the previous August, selling 6,522 units. However, not all models shared in this growth, as sales for the Kia K4/Forte experienced a slight decline, and the Sorento also saw a marginal decrease in units sold.
The electric vehicle segment presents a particular challenge for Kia. Despite the general market shift towards electrification, sales for Kia's EV models, particularly the EV9 and EV6, have faced headwinds. Although EV9 sales showed an August uptick, its year-to-date figures are significantly lower than the previous year. The EV6 also registered a decrease in both August and year-to-date sales. This trend is notable, especially considering that both the EV6 and EV9 are eligible for the substantial $7,500 federal tax credit, suggesting that factors beyond immediate cost savings might be influencing consumer adoption in this segment.
Kia's pricing strategy remains a key differentiator. In an era where affordable new and used vehicles are becoming scarcer, Kia continues to offer a range of models priced under $30,000. The Soul leads this affordable lineup, starting at $20,490, with the Seltos and Sportage also maintaining competitive price points. For sedan enthusiasts, the K4/Forte and the midsize K5 offer attractive options, while the Niro Hybrid crossover caters to efficiency-minded buyers with impressive fuel economy. This commitment to affordability, coupled with continuous improvements in vehicle quality, positions Kia favorably for consumers seeking value without compromising on features.
Kia's impressive sales performance in August, setting a new monthly record, highlights its resilience and strategic strength in a competitive automotive market. While popular family-oriented models like the Sportage, Telluride, and Carnival have been instrumental in this success, the struggles in the EV sector indicate areas for re-evaluation. The brand's commitment to providing affordable yet well-equipped vehicles continues to resonate with consumers, enabling it to defy broader industry trends and secure a significant market presence. Looking ahead, addressing the cooling demand for EVs will be crucial for Kia's sustained growth and long-term market leadership.
The 2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante featured in this article embodies a unique combination of timeless British engineering and grand touring elegance. With its low mileage and pristine condition, it represents a significant opportunity for collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. This model, a convertible variant of the celebrated DB9, seamlessly blends high performance with the luxurious comfort expected from the marque. Its design pays homage to Aston Martin's rich heritage while incorporating modern refinements that ensure an exceptional driving experience. The car's remarkable V12 engine and sophisticated interior underscore its status as a highly desirable classic.
This particular DB9 Volante showcases Aston Martin's commitment to excellence, offering a driving sensation that is both powerful and refined. The meticulous care evident in its low mileage and classic aesthetic makes it a standout example of its kind. From its visually striking exterior to its opulent cabin, every aspect of this vehicle speaks to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and performance. For those seeking a blend of exhilarating performance and sophisticated style, this Aston Martin DB9 Volante promises to deliver an unparalleled automotive journey.
The Enduring Legacy of the Aston Martin DB9
The Aston Martin DB9, first introduced in 2004, marked a pivotal moment for the British luxury automaker, setting a new benchmark for refinement, performance, and aesthetic appeal. This model, carefully named to avoid any confusion with a V8 engine, proudly housed a formidable 6.0-liter V12, signifying a substantial advancement from its predecessor, the DB7. The DB9's enduring production run until 2016 solidified its position as one of Aston Martin's most successful and long-lived models in the modern era. This particular 2006 DB9 Volante, a convertible version, epitomizes this rich legacy, presenting itself with a mere 22,851 miles and an timeless color scheme that enhances its classic allure.
The debut of the DB9 represented a new chapter for Aston Martin, showcasing the brand's ability to innovate while preserving its core identity of luxury and performance. Its design, characterized by elegant lines and a muscular stance, became instantly recognizable and deeply admired. The decision to equip it with a V12 engine from the outset underscored Aston Martin's ambition to compete at the highest echelons of the luxury sports car market. This 2006 Volante model not only carries forward that prestigious heritage but also offers the added dimension of open-air driving, allowing enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the driving experience while enjoying the distinctive roar of its powerful engine. Its remarkably low mileage further enhances its desirability, making it a prime example of a well-preserved piece of automotive history.
Design and Performance: A Harmony of Power and Elegance
The 2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante captures attention with its exquisite design and impressive performance capabilities. Adorned in Tungsten Silver Metallic, a color synonymous with the brand's cinematic appeal, the car exudes an undeniable presence that effortlessly merges sophistication with raw power. Its elongated, sleek silhouette creates a sense of dynamic grace, embodying a perfect balance between refined elegance and aggressive muscle. The convertible's grand touring character is further accentuated by a black power-retractable canvas top, seamlessly integrating with the vehicle's overall design. Complementing its striking appearance are the 15-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels, which perfectly align with the car's aesthetic, maintaining a clean and unadulterated visual appeal.
Beyond its captivating exterior, the DB9 Volante houses a robust 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering a substantial 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This power is efficiently transferred to the rear wheels via a 6-speed Touchtronic automatic transmission. Even by contemporary standards, the car's performance is exhilarating, achieving 0–60 mph in under five seconds. A significant highlight of this vehicle is its distinctive exhaust note, which provides a captivating auditory experience, making the V12 engine's melodic roar as compelling as its raw power. While not designed as a track-focused sports car in the modern sense, it excels as a true Grand Tourer, meticulously engineered to traverse long distances with unparalleled comfort and undeniable flair. The cabin, adorned with Saddle Tan leather and walnut veneer, blends traditional craftsmanship with functional technology from the 2000s, including heated seats, an Alcantara headliner, and a unique retractable infotainment screen, all contributing to an interior that prioritizes comfort and an immersive driving environment.
Volkswagen is presenting an enticing lease special for the 2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn this September, positioning a high-performance vehicle within easier reach. This updated model showcases a refined exterior and an enhanced interior, featuring modern technological advancements. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides robust power, coupled with the option of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, promising an engaging driving experience. Beyond its performance capabilities, the Jetta GLI is equipped with a suite of premium standard features and cutting-edge safety technologies, making it a well-rounded and attractive choice for enthusiasts.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a standout in the compact sports sedan segment, particularly noted for its availability with a manual transmission at an accessible price point, starting around $33,000. For the 2025 model year, the GLI has undergone a significant refresh, introducing a sleeker aesthetic with a redesigned front fascia, updated headlights, and new air intakes. The rear features a fresh taillight design that extends across the entire width of the car, distinguishing it from the standard Jetta. Inside, the cabin has been modernized with a new dashboard, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, and contemporary touch-sensitive climate controls, enhancing both ergonomics and visual appeal.
Underneath its stylish exterior, the Jetta GLI houses a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This power plant can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission, a rare offering in today's market for this class, or a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Performance figures are impressive, with the automatic variant achieving 0-60 mph in under six seconds. Enthusiasts will particularly appreciate Volkswagen's commitment to retaining the manual transmission option, which offers a more connected and engaging driving experience, despite its absence in the regular Jetta lineup. Further enhancing its dynamic capabilities are a standard front differential lock and adaptive chassis control, ensuring agile handling and a controlled ride.
The September lease offer for the 2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn is particularly attractive, priced at $419 per month for a 36-month term, with no security deposit and $4,499 due at signing. This deal is consistent across various major U.S. cities, including Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. Prospective lessees should note that additional costs such as taxes, title, license, options, and dealer fees are not included in the initial due amount. Upon lease completion, a $395 disposition fee is applicable, and the mileage cap is set at 10,000 miles annually, totaling 30,000 miles over the lease duration. This promotional offer remains valid until September 30, 2025.
The Jetta GLI Autobahn trim comes exceptionally well-equipped, making it an ideal choice for a daily-driven sports sedan. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, dual exhaust with chrome tips, heated and folding exterior mirrors, full LED lighting (headlights, DRLs, taillights), an integrated front light bar, and rain-sensing wipers. The interior boasts a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, luxurious leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory functions and lumbar support, and both heated and ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort. Technologically, it features an 8-inch VW digital cockpit, an 8-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Safety is also a priority, with standard adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Practicality is not overlooked, as the GLI maintains a generous 37.4 inches of rear legroom and 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, mirroring the standard Jetta.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI successfully blends performance with everyday usability, excelling both in spirited driving and routine tasks. The current lease pricing presents an excellent value proposition; however, it is crucial for interested individuals to meticulously review all terms and conditions of the lease agreement prior to signing. Potential lessees are encouraged to verify all details, including taxes, registration fees, and dealer-specific charges, directly with their local Volkswagen dealership to ensure comprehensive and precise information.