Kia Dealer in Normal hoping Kia Ray hybrid concept car becomes a reality

The Kia Ray concept showed up at the Chicago Auto Show, where the mood surrounding this new eco-friendly ride was electric. Or, wait…Kia “plugged in” to the environmentalist in everyone at the Chicago Auto Show. Wait, how about: Kia’s new plug-in concept should have no trouble giving car buyers an “outlet” to fuel savings. Oh, I could go on…but Kia’s unveiling of this really is a significant move for the company and the industry as a whole.

The climate really could not have been more favorable this past month. With Toyota struggling to allay car buyers’ worries about safety and reliability, everyone was ready to listen to what Kia had to say and, more importantly, look at what they had to show.

The Kia Ray by no means disappointed from a design perspective. Once more Kia comes through with the cool. Coming off a remarkable 2009, during which Kia rolled out the very hip Kia Soul and the all new Forte, Bloomington drivers are starting to see a lot of exciting options on the Extreme Kia lot in Normal.

I know this is just a concept, but this is a hybrid to get excited about – a car that looks as cool as its technology is. But concepts are one thing and mass-produced, consumer-ready models are another. Still, I expect that when Kia does roll out its first PHEV, the design will be inspired and different than what other car manufacturers are offering.

I seriously hope they keep the abundance of glass present in the Ray concept. The streamlined body combined with the dark glass makes for a very sharp look. One of the coolest features is a battery indicator light embedded in the hood, so drivers know when they’ve plugged in long enough and are ready for an electric ride.

All around, the car’s design screams innovation and Kia is committing a lot of research into becoming a premier electric car provider. Like partner company Hyundai, Kia is hitting all the right notes in the past few years with American car buyers. From price to design to customer service, Kia has to be a scary force to other manufacturers in the hybrid/electric market.

Of course, we won’t see the Ray or a plug-in hybrid of another name from Kia for some time, but car buyers have plenty of Kia options, like the Forte and the Kia Soul. Normal, IL car shoppers should stop by Extreme Kia for a plethora of affordable and fuel-efficient options.