Welcome back! Following last week’s blog which featured hot tips regarding the positioning of Seltos in the Kia SUV lineup between Soul and Sportage, you may be wondering this...just exactly what type of customers is Kia looking to attract? In this week’s blog entry, we’ll identify the Kia Seltos conquest customer demographic by exploring the wants, needs, and expectations of the new buyers and what Seltos brings to the table to accommodate them.
Seltos: A Global CUV Designed for Conquest Sales
In consumer clinics held in several cities across the country, Seltos received extremely positive feedback from CUV owners and intenders. Backed by its strong, emotional design, ample size and space, Kia Drive Wise (ADAS*), class-above interior technology, and available All-Wheel Drive* (AWD) crossover capability, Kia anticipates many “new to Kia” customers will soon appear in your showroom.
Highly Coveted Customers are Coming Your Way!
Seltos is looking to bring in customers who are new to the Kia brand, in their prime earning years, highly educated, and extremely tech-savvy. Interestingly, preliminary market research also indicates that you may notice more male interest than for Soul and Sportage, which have typically drawn in a more female-biased demographic. The type of buyers is likely to be cross-generational, ranging from Generation Z, Millennials, and Baby Boomers. Seltos will especially attract Generation Z and Millennials who tend to focus on lifestyle, design, brand image, and new technology. They’ll be impressed by the bold design of Seltos and its “confidence inspiring capability.” Baby Boomers who are “right sizing” after raising children will be drawn to Seltos by their newfound sense of adventure (and the time for it!). In short, future Seltos customers are just as dynamic as the vehicle itself.
So, the question is...are you prepared to Step Up and provide an excellent sales experience to the Seltos customer? To help out, here are a few “sneak peek” Seltos conversation points to have up your sleeve when you meet a prospective Seltos customer...
Seltos Conversation Points:
- Seltos features bold, class-above exterior design cues
- Available: two-tone roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rack, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED head lights, LED tail lights
- Advanced infotainment and technology sets Seltos apart from the CUV field
- Available: wireless phone charger*, 10.25-inch high-definition touch screen, UVO link* that adds remote features* such as lock/unlock doors and notifications for sunroof or windows open, fuel or engine oil levels
- Seltos features class-above Kia Drive Wise (ADAS*)
- Available: Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear* (BCA-R), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist* (RCCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian* (FCA-Ped), Lane Following Assist* (LFA), Highway Driving Assist* (HDA)
- As a bonus, Seltos is fun to drive AND extremely capable
- The 1.6L turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and Dynamax®* All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is a unique combination within the Entry CUV segment and is standard on the S1.6T and SX trims. The LX and EX trims come standard with the Dynamax®* All-Wheel Drive system
- Accessory of lifestyle hitch and hitch-mounted bike rack
- Roof rail* attachments: roof bike attachment, roof cargo box, roof ski/snow attachment
Sales and Service Hot Tip:
Remember to take the appropriate amount of time with customers to explain:
- Sales and service processes (i.e., set expectations about the sales process and how long it will take)
- Products within the lineup
- Product features
Kia is currently a challenger brand and new customers may be coming from more established brands. So, what does that mean? It means new customers may not be familiar with Kia’s dealership processes—or technology, or vehicles, or features—you get the picture!
Taking the right amount of time to ensure customers are comfortable and educated translates to positive survey results and above all, brand loyalty!
And one parting thought...
Regardless of who your next customer is, it is important to take into consideration the wants and needs of each unique person. When interacting with potential Seltos buyers, be sure to identify lifestyle needs, daily driving factors, and personal desires. Remember that Seltos comes in a few trims that can appeal to different individuals depending on which “boxes” were checked upon your initial conversation.
You got this! Here’s to a great weekend.
Good selling,
Kia University
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect allobjects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R): Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution
Dynamax® All-wheel-drive system: No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA): Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
Lane Following Assist (LFA): The Lane Following Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects behind vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
Remote Features: If equipped. Remote features require a UVO subscription, a compatible smartphone, and a wireless signal with good coverage to function. Normal cellular service rates may apply. Do not use remote climate control or remote start if vehicle is in an enclosed area (e.g., closed garage) or a partially enclosed area without ventilation. Close all doors leading from adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing a remote climate control or remote start command. Remote feature support varies by model, model year and trim.
Roof Rails: Roof rail crossbars and various roof rack attachments available at additional cost.
UVO link: Purchase/lease of 2021 Kia Seltos SX with UVO link includes a complimentary 1-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 1-year UVO link subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of UVO link services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate or your use of certain UVO link features may immediately terminate. Use of UVO is subject to agreement to the UVO Privacy Policy (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). UVO link is transferable to subsequent owner during the original UVO link service term. Only use UVO link when safe to do so. Kia Access with UVO link app is available from the Apple® App Store® or Google Play Store. Kia Motors America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue UVO link at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. UVO link features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more details and limitations, visit www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple and App Store are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Google and logos are trademarks of Google LLC.
Wireless Phone Charger: Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.