Month: April 2025

Posted on

Employee Spotlight – Carlos Taylor

Our next employee spotlight is a highly-experienced sales associate from our Kia dealership – Carlos Taylor

Carlos was born and raised in Watertown, enjoying the blessings and freedom of growing up in the country. He has always loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting, and he also worked his way through quite a few of the Boy Scout ranks as a kid. He played football, basketball, and ran track in high school, and he was awarded a track and field scholarship to Western Kentucky University where he primarily ran the 100m and 200m sprints.

Carlos began his career in the restaurant industry and also enjoyed bartending for a few years after college. He has been working in automotive sales for over twenty years and has sold many of the major brands found in America – including Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota, just to name a few. He made his way to Russell Barnett Kia in January of 2021, gaining expert knowledge on the Kia brand. He is a very detail-oriented sales associate who takes pride in studying their products and passing that knowledge along to his customers, ensuring they find the perfect vehicle to fit their needs and budget.

Thanks, Carlos, for being a part of our automotive family! We appreciate all of your hard work and, especially, your dedication to always go above and beyond for your customers!

Posted on

Meet the All-New 2025 Kia K4

A Bold Evolution for Compact Sedans

Kia is making waves again with the debut of the 2025 K4 – a sleek, tech-savvy compact sedan that replaces the Forte with bigger ambitions. Offering more space, premium finishes, and cutting-edge features, the K4 is built for drivers who want more than just the basics.

Standout Style That Turns Heads

With its fastback silhouette and striking star-map LED lighting, the K4’s design is both sporty and sophisticated. Available 18-inch alloy wheels and bold GT-line accents take its curb appeal even further, ensuring it makes a lasting impression wherever it goes.

Space, Comfort, and Premium Touches

Step inside, and you’ll notice the K4 delivers best-in-class rear legroom – perfect for passengers on the go. Luxuries like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system make every drive feel first class. Plus, with smart storage solutions and USB-C ports throughout, convenience comes standard.

Tech That Keeps You Connected

Drivers will love the nearly 30 inches of digital screens inside the K4, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built-in, and available features like a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and Digital Key 2.0 bring a modern edge to everyday driving.

Punchy Performance With Smart Efficiency

Under the hood, the K4 offers a choice between a 147-horsepower 2.0L engine and a turbocharged 1.6L engine pumping out 190 horsepower. Opt for the GT-Line Turbo, and you’ll enjoy a sport-tuned suspension that makes winding roads even more fun. Plus, with up to an estimated 40 MPG on the highway, the K4 proves that performance and efficiency can go hand in hand.

Safety You Can Count On

The K4 doesn’t cut corners when it comes to safety. With up to 29 available driver-assist features – including Auto Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist 2 – Kia’s latest sedan is designed to keep you and your passengers protected on every journey. Safety is paramount in the K4, which boasts up to 29 driver-assistance features. Standard technologies include Auto Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Available features like Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist 2 further enhance driver confidence.​

Posted on

Preparing for the Road

From sports and competitions to family reunions and vacations – We do a lot more traveling this time of year. So here’s a few tips to make sure your next trip goes as smoothly as possible:

Route Planning & Preparation

  1. Map Out Your Journey – Use GPS or a navigation app, and carry a paper map as a backup.
  2. Stay Updated on Weather & Road Conditions – Check for closures, traffic, or delays before you go.
  3. Secure Lodging in Advance – Book hotels or campsites early to avoid last-minute issues.
  4. Set a Travel Budget – Plan for gas, meals, lodging, and activities to manage expenses.
  5. Download Offline Maps & Entertainment – Useful for areas with weak or no cell service.

Car Readiness

  1. Schedule a Vehicle Check-Up – Inspect tires, brakes, fluids, battery, and lights before leaving.
  2. Pack an Emergency Roadside Kit – Include a spare tire, jumper cables, flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
  3. Verify Insurance & Registration – Keep all necessary documents up to date and accessible.
  4. Bring a Backup Car Key – Store it separately to avoid being locked out.

Must-Have Essentials

  1. Stock Up on Snacks & Drinks – Minimize unnecessary stops and save money.
  2. Dress in Comfortable Layers – Be prepared for varying weather conditions.
  3. Carry Power Banks & Charging Cables – Keep devices charged for navigation and entertainment.
  4. Have Both Cash & Cards – Some places may not accept digital payments.
  5. Take Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun during long drives.

Safety & Comfort

  1. Take Regular Breaks – Stop every couple of hours to stay refreshed and alert.
  2. Share Your Travel Plans – Let a trusted friend or family member know your route and ETA.
  3. Switch Drivers When Possible – Helps prevent fatigue on long road trips.
  4. Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to maintain energy levels.
  5. Follow Speed Limits & Local Traffic Laws – Be aware of regulations in different regions.

Making the Trip Enjoyable

  1. Prepare a Playlist or Download Podcasts – Keep yourself entertained during the drive.
  2. Capture the Adventure – Take photos, record videos, or write in a travel journal.
  3. Plan Fun Stops Along the Way – Check out scenic viewpoints, landmarks, and unique eateries.