Kia Motors America (KMA) globally debuted the 2010 Forte Koup (to be known as 'Cerato Koup' in some countries) production vehicle during a press conference at the 2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The company's first-ever two-door coupe embodies the brand's current bold design direction. Signature design elements of KMA's headquarters include a 36,000 sq. ft reflecting pool and a 10,000 square-foot lobby with soaring 40-foot ceilings. The front and rear of the lobby feature floor to ceiling glass walls which create a spacious, light-filled gathering place for employees and guests while providing picturesque views of the local Saddleback Mountains. The lobby also serves as a showcase location for Kia's full vehicle lineup.
First occupied in January 2007, the custom-built facility is currently home to approximately 300 team members employed in Kia's U.S. sales division, marketing, public relations, consumer affairs, technical service, research and development, product planning and administration departments and Kia Motors America's western region and IT services. Kia was one of the first companies in Irvine to voluntarily install a bioswale system in its parking lot to remove silt and pollution from surface water runoff. The landscaping features drought-resistant plants and reclaimed water is used for landscaping irrigation and toilets. The exterior glass of the building meets Title 24 requirements for energy efficiency standards. Still Image, 300 DPI