Apr 16, 2018   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Kia Motors America Introduces UVO Skill For Amazon Alexa To Enable Voice Controls

Kia Motors America Introduces UVO Skill For Amazon Alexa To Enable Voice Controls

Alexa-Enabled Devices Can Now Control Many Vehicle Functions

- Start your compatible Kia and adjust the climate control from inside your home or office

- Compatible models include Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Optima Plug-In and certain years of Soul EV and K900(1)

IRVINE, Calif., April 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Owners of certain Kias can now control a number of vehicle functions --such as start and stop the engine and heat or cool their cars, depending on model and model year--using simple voice commands from the comfort of their home.(2) Called UVO Skill, the system also allows owners to lock doors, sound the horn and flash the lights, and start and stop charging their plug-in or electric vehicle whenever they choose.(3) All that's needed is a device with Amazon Alexa(4) like Echo or Echo Dot and one of the following Kia vehicles with compatible UVO hardware: Niro PHEV, Soul EV(5), Optima PHEV and K900.(1) UVO Skill set-up is easy via the Alexa companion app.

"We constantly strive to find new ways to make our vehicles more user-friendly," says Orth Hedrick, vice president, planning & strategy, Kia Motors America. "The UVO Skill for Alexa makes it easier and more convenient for owners of compatible Kias to use their vehicles. The UVO Skill is one more enhanced feature that reflects Kia's forward-thinking spirit."

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

    * The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims
     only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally
     sourced parts



    (1) UVO Skill for Amazon Alexa available for the following Kia
     vehicles: Niro Plug-In Hybrid (2018); Soul EV (2017, 2018); Optima
     Plug-In Hybrid (2017, 2018); K900 (2016, 2017)

    (2) Remote features require a wireless signal with good coverage to
     function, and normal cellular service rates may apply. Use these
     services/features when safe and legal to do so. When performing a
     Remote Start or Climate Control for gas-powered vehicles (includes
     plug-in hybrids), please make sure your vehicle is parked in a
     secure and well-ventilated area. Close all doors leading from
     adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing these
     commands.

    (3) A UVO subscription is necessary to use Amazon Alexa voice
     commands for Kia. Purchase/lease of certain new Kia vehicles may
     include a complimentary UVO luxe or UVO eco subscription (length of
     subscription varies by vehicle model and year) starting from new
     vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After
     your complimentary UVO luxe or UVO eco subscription expires,
     continued access to UVO luxe or UVO eco will require a paid
     subscription at the then current subscription rate or your use of
     UVO luxe or UVO eco will immediately terminate. Use of UVO is
     subject to agreement to the UVO Privacy Policy (available at https:/
     /www.myuvo.com/legal/privacy-policy.shtml) and Terms of Service

    4 Amazon devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet
     connection. Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of
     Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

    5 Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

CONTACT: James Bell, 949.468.4625, jbell@kiausa.com or Neil Dunlop, 917.539.1327, ndunlop@kiausa.com

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SOURCE Kia Motors America