The Wait for Curly Hair Emojis is Over Thanks to Dove Hair

November 4, 2015

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, New Jersey, Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In today’s increasingly digital and social world, 74% of people report using Emojis daily[2], and 67% of all women and girls agree they can better express what they want to say with Emojis than with words[3]. Yet despite the popularity, expansion and diversification of Emoji graphics within the official Unicode keyboard following recent updates, there still remains a “one size fits all” hair type for female emojis – straight and sleek, the traditional beauty ideal.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7676351-dove-curly-hair-emojis/

To offer a solution for the one in three women in the US with curly hair[4] and the 82% of curly women and girls who say they’d like to see more female emoji options depicting what their hair looks like[5], Dove Hair is proudly introducing the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis – the first emoji keyboard designed to represent curly girls everywhere. Now when curly women and girls send messages to friends, they can finally express their beautiful, curly self!

The Dove Love Your Curls Emoji Keyboard, developed in partnership with Snaps — the first end-to-end platform for brand marketing across messaging applications and devices, are now available for free download in the App Store and Google Play, and can be used in text and messenger systems, including iMessage, SMS/text, Facebook messenger and WhatsApp (standard data rates apply). The keyboard contains 27 unique curly hair designs, with selectable skin tone and hair color – resulting in a total of 131 curly emoji variations, including seven animated GIFs to bring curl expression and love to life!

Dove’s Love Your Curls Emojis are part of the brand’s ongoing Love Your Curls campaign, which encourages women to celebrate, love and take pride in their curly hair.

“Dove Hair is committed to redefining traditional standards of beauty and ensuring women and girls see accurate reflections of themselves in the world around them, including, and especially, in digital and social media – which is why we’re so excited to introduce the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis,” shared Rob Candelino, VP of Haircare at Unilever. “1 in 3 women in the United States have curly or wavy hair, yet there are zero images of these women today in the increasingly common language of emojis. That felt wrong to us, so we are fixing it and hope by doing so, we will continue inspiring all women to love their curls.”

To understand the emotional impact of inclusionary emojis on women and girls, the brand commissioned a survey of 1500 women and girls in the US on their emoji usage. Sali A. Tagliamonte, Professor of Linguistics at the University of Toronto, has partnered with Dove Hair on the launch of the Love Your Curls Emojis to help shed light on this research and how self-expression via emojis has become an important aspect of the evolving language landscape. “When you have a symbol that embodies someone’s identity, it’s powerful,” says Tagliamonte. “The new Dove Love Your Curls Emojis have the ability to empower curly women to be more themselves.”

Additionally, to celebrate the launch of the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis, Dove Hair will also be partnering with Twitter so that each time women and girls share a #LoveYourCurls moment, a custom Dove Curly Emoji will auto-generate within the tweet.

Start showing the world how much you #LoveYourCurls by tweeting the hashtag on Twitter, and be sure to download the Dove Love Your Curls Emoji keyboard in the App Store or Google Play to start using the Love Your Curls Emojis in all text and messenger apps.

About Dove^®Hair
Dove Hair offers a wide range of solutions that provide deep nourishment and repair to meet women’s specific hair needs, whether it is curly, dry, frizzy, in need of volume or damaged. The range includes shampoo, conditioners, treatments and styling products.

About Unilever North America
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in more than 190 countries. Working to create a better future every day, we help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States and Canada, the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Caress, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, Consort For Men, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Fruttare, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Just for Me!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Magnum, Motions, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Simple, St. Ives, Suave, TIGI, TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe, TRESemme and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies.

Our ambition is to double the size of our business, while reducing our overall environmental footprint (including sourcing, consumer use and disposal) and increasing our positive social impact. We are committed to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020, and decoupling our growth from our environmental impact. Supporting our three big goals, we have defined seven pillars, underpinned by targets encompassing social, environmental and economic areas. See more on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at http://www.unileverusa.com/sustainable-living/ or http://www.unilever.ca/sustainable-living/.

Unilever employs approximately 11,500 people across North America – generating more than $10 billion in sales in 2013. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com or www.unilever.ca.

[1] Dove Hair Study Conducted by Edelman Berland, October 2015
[2] Swift Media, August 2015
[3] Dove Hair Study Conducted by Edelman Berland, October 2015
[4] H&E Study, 2014
[5] Dove Hair Study Conducted by Edelman Berland, October 2015

Contacts:
Samantha Wannemacher/Edelman
212-729-2478
[email protected]

Kathryn Fernandez/Unilever
[email protected]

Apprenticeship Events Celebrate New Opportunities for California Workers to “Earn While You Learn”

November 3, 2015

DIR, DAS Introduce Two New Programs during National Apprenticeship Week

SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) are celebrating the creation of two new state-approved apprenticeship programs on November 6.

“Apprenticeship programs provide workers with on-the-job training and help meet employers’ demand for a skilled workforce. By expanding hands-on training programs, we are increasing career opportunities for workers and helping businesses grow,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). DAS is a division of DIR.

On Friday morning, DIR Director Christine Baker and DAS Chief Diane Ravnik will officially recognize the first of the new apprenticeship programs between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245 in Sacramento. SMUD offers seven new training programs in the occupations of line worker, cable splicer, telecom technician, substation electrician, electrical technician, meter technician and engineer designer to approximately 60 apprentices. The engineer designer occupation training is the first of its kind in California for apprenticeship.

The second new program will be recognized Friday afternoon with program sponsors Sacramento Employment Training Agency (SETA), the California Workforce Association, and AFSCME Local 146. SETA’s two-year “Earn While You Learn” apprenticeship program for new and incumbent employees will allow approximately 25 apprentices to advance through its employment system.

“We are delighted to welcome these two new program sponsors and their apprentices to the benefits of registered apprenticeship,” said DAS Chief Diane Ravnik. “These opportunities provide the employers a way to meet their skilled training needs, and their apprentices entry to an established career.”

The official certification events are part of what President Barack Obama has proclaimed the first annual National Apprenticeship Week, promoting efforts to expand the talent available to U.S. industries and offer workers a chance to earn while learning new skills.

A schedule is posted online with details on the certification signing events in Sacramento, as well as other National Apprenticeship Week events across the state. All events are free and open to the public.

Governor Jerry Brown issued a letter to highlight National Apprenticeship Week and urge all California employers and workers to explore apprenticeship as a way to achieve greater levels of professional success.

The California Apprenticeship Council also issued a resolution urging all California apprenticeship sponsors to participate in this week’s events.

The Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) creates opportunities for Californians to gain employable lifetime skills and provides employers with a highly skilled and experienced workforce while strengthening California’s economy.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 also offers recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR
https://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

National Adoption Campaign Launches PSAs to Raise Awareness of the 108,000 Children Awaiting Adoption and the Need to Adopt Older Youth from Foster Care

November 3, 2015

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the award-winning Adoption from Foster Care campaign from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AdoptUSKids and the Ad Council unveiled a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) that aim to encourage the adoption of older youth from foster care.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7673451-ad-council-national-adoption-campaign/

Of the 415,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, 108,000 children under the age of 18 are currently waiting for adoptive families, according to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). Since the AdoptUSKids project began in 2002, 25,000 children who were once photo listed on adoptuskids.org are now with their adoptive families and nearly 38,000 families have registered to adopt through AdoptUSKids. 41 percent of the approximately 5,360 youth listed on the website are aged between 15 and 18 years old.

“Every child deserves a family that will cherish them. Yet older youth and teens often wait longer for an adoptive home. No matter what their age, youth need the love and stability that a family can offer,” noted Rafael Lopez, Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families. “Families who adopt older youth provide teens with support during a critical period of life and throughout many important milestones. In recognition of National Adoption Month this November, we thank and celebrate all adoptive families throughout the country. We are also proud to sponsor the Adoption and Foster Care campaign to encourage additional adoptions of older youth nationwide.”

The new creative extends the use of the campaign’s award-winning tagline “You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.” Created pro bono by advertising agency KBS, the new TV, radio, print, outdoor and digital PSAs showcase the creative strategy of “multiple choice parenting.” The TV PSAs portray a dad trying to give advice to his teenage daughter after her first breakup, and a mom giving her son a haircut at home. The humorous, lighthearted scenarios aim to reassure prospective parents that even if they are not “perfect,” they have the ability to provide the stability and security that older youth in foster care need and deserve. The PSAs direct audiences to visit adoptuskids.org or to call 1-888-200-4005 (English) or 1-877-236-7831 (Spanish) to receive the latest information about the foster care system and the adoption process.

“Welcoming a child into your home and your heart is one if the greatest gifts a person can give,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve done and the results we’ve achieved with AdoptUSKids, and I hope this new creative will continue to remind potential parents that they don’t have to be perfect to make a lifelong difference in somebody’s life.”

Jonathan Mackler, Co-Chief Creative Officer of KBS New York said, “One of the highlights of being at KBS is having the opportunity to work with Ad Council and AdoptUSKids. When you hear about how many children are waiting for adoptive families, particularly teens, you want to do everything possible to make the creative as inspiring and effective as it can be.”

In addition to the PSAs, a Facebook Q&A will take place today from 12 to 1 pm ET on AdoptUSKids’ Facebook page to connect prospective parents with campaign representatives, parents and their adopted older youth. The online chat will also be an opportunity to debunk many of the top myths about foster care adoption, including the cost to adopt, marriage status, educational achievement, and home ownership, among others.

The Ad Council will distribute the new PSAs to media outlets nationwide this week. Per the Ad Council’s model, the PSAs will run in time and space donated by the media. Since its initial launch in 2004, the campaign has received more than $502 million in donated media support across television, radio, print, outdoor and digital media.

For more information about adoption, or about becoming an adoptive parent to a child from foster care, please visit adoptuskids.org or visit the AdoptUSKids’ communities on Facebook and Twitter.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families
Within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is the agency that is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) administers national programs for children and youth; works with states, Tribes, and local communities to develop services that support and strengthen family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance the lives of children and their families; and provides information and other assistance to parents. Many of the programs administered by ACYF focus on children from low-income families; abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services; preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and homeless youth; and children from Native American and migrant families. For more information on ACF’s adoption programs, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/focus-areas/adoption.

AdoptUSKids
AdoptUSKids is a multi-faceted, federally funded project whose mission is to raise public awareness about the need for families for children in foster care, and assist States, Territories and Tribes to recruit and retain foster and adoptive families and connect them with children. The project is managed through a cooperative agreement with the Children’s Bureau at ACF.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a 70-year history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to affect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.

KBS
KBS is a global creative business partner committed to doing things that matter. Our specialisms include: advertising, social, content, CRM, creative technology, public relations, media planning and buying. We have offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal, London and Shanghai. We help a diverse roster of clients around the world including BMO, Church and Dwight, Unilever, American Express, BMW, Harman, King (maker of Candy Crush), Mondelez, TE Connectivity and Vanguard. www.kbsp.com

Hispanic Public Relations Association, Los Angeles Awards Scholarships To Latino PR Students

November 3, 2015

Annual PRemio Scholarship Dinner includes Awards for Excellence in Journalism, PR Achievement, Social Media Influence & Corporation of the Year

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Public Relations Association, Los Angeles Chapter (HPRA-LA) held its Annual PRemio Awards & Scholarship Gala in Downtown L.A. on Oct. 29 and awarded five deserving California college students in the fields of PR/Journalism with scholarships as well as recognized individuals and corporations for their excellence and commitment to the Latino community.

This year’s scholarship winners included:

Dru Anthony Chavez, junior at USC pursuing a degree in Public Relations;
Beatriz Martinez, senior at Cal State University, Fullerton pursuing a degree in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations;
Naomi Ogaldez, recent graduate of Cal State University, Northridge with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Spanish-language Journalism;
Marissa Plascencia, a senior at Cal State University, Fullerton pursuing a degree in Public Relations;
Yareiry Giselle Pineda, a senior at the University of La Verne pursuing a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing.

Also, Naomi Ogaldez received the 2015 Esther Renteria Community Service Award and Scholarship that honor Esther Renteria’s advocacy work and contributions to the field of communications.

Co-hosted by Sid Garcia, from ABC7 Eyewitness News and Claudia Botero, reporter for Univision KMEX 34, more than 150 top executives from the communications and marketing industry attended the Masquerade Soiree.

HPRA-LA recognized outstanding Latino communicators in journalism, public relations, social media, and corporate leadership contribute to the betterment of the Latino community and its positive portrayal in the media.

This year’s PRemio Award winners included:

Dennis Romero, LA Weekly, Journalism Award
Inez Gonzalez, Latino Communications Initiative at Cal State University, Fullerton, PR Achievement Award
Ana Flores, Latina Bloggers Connect, Social Media Influence Award
Toyota, Corporation of the Year

“First, congratulations to all the students and PRemio awardees for their continued dedication to the field of Hispanic public relations and to the community,” said Mashi Nyssen, President of HPRA-LA. “At a time when the national debate has put into question the value of the U.S. Latino community, we are celebrating tonight the tremendous contributions from individuals who are telling our stories and corporations who are opening doors for the next generation of story tellers.”

The PRemio Awards were made possible thanks to Silver Sponsors: AARP Los Angeles, Goya, RL Public Relations, Sportivo, Sports Public Relations and Marketing, Southern California Edison, and Univision Los Angeles; and Bronze Sponsors: Anthem Blue Cross, First 5 LA, Grupo Gallegos, Lopez Negrete, SoCal Gas, and California State University, Fullerton.

For additional information regarding the Hispanic Public Relations Association, Los Angeles chapter, please visit http://www.la.hpra-usa.org.

(Español) NCLR enfatiza la inscripción para planes de seguro médico disponibles por el ACA

November 3, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

The American Diabetes Association® Launches Eat Well, America!(SM) Campaign during American Diabetes Month®

November 3, 2015

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Every 19 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes, and it is estimated that by 2050, as many as 1 in 3 American adults will develop type 2 diabetes if current trends continue. To promote healthy habits and wellness that will last throughout the year the American Diabetes Association^® (Association) launches the theme of this year’s American Diabetes Month^®, Eat Well, America!^sm. Throughout the month, the Association will empower Americans to make healthy eating a fun and simple part of daily life by equipping them with tips from cookbook authors and chefs for planning and preparing delicious and nutritious meals, whether at home or on the go.

A healthy lunch is a great way to bring wellness into the center of your day, especially for Americans looking to manage weight, combat low energy and better prevent, delay or manage diabetes. The Association will celebrate the inaugural National Healthy Lunch Day, Nov. 17, by providing tips geared toward helping Americans prepare or buy healthier lunch options. Eating well is an important step toward committing to healthy habits, and lunch is an enjoyable way to involve friends, family and coworkers in the journey.

“Our goal is for every American to learn how to prepare and choose healthy foods and never feel like they are sacrificing flavor or the enjoyment they get out of a good meal,” said Kevin L. Hagan, CEO, American Diabetes Association. “As the Association marks its 75^th anniversary, we are even more committed to empowering Americans to achieve health and wellness every single day. So let’s start making lasting healthy habits with a healthy lunch or a revamped holiday meal.”

Join the Eat Well, America! campaign throughout November to learn how you can put delicious and nutritious food on the table by following #EatWellAmerica and on social media. Be sure to inspire friends and family to participate in National Healthy Lunch Day by sharing photos of your healthy plates on social media using the hashtag #MyHealthyLunch.

For more information visit diabetesforecast.org/adm or call 1-800-DIABETES.

Eat Well, America! Calendar #EatWellAmerica

Week One: Breakfast
The Association will share delicious breakfast recipes that motivate you to get your busy day off to the right start.

Week Two: Snacks
Easy and satisfying snack recipes that make the walk past the vending machine a breeze.

Week Three: Lunch and #HealthyLunchDay
Lunch recipes that get you that keep your health on track through the day.

Week Four: Dinner
Seasonal dinner recipes that ensure you don’t miss out on the autumn and holiday flavors you love.

Week Five: Celebrations
Healthy special occasion options, including sweets, so you never feel deprived of your favorite treats and stay on track with good nutrition.

Visit the Association at diabetesforecast.org/adm or call 1-800-DIABETES for meal planning, shopping tips, grocery lists, chef’s preparation secrets and delicious recipes.

About American Diabetes Month
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications.

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes^® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151103/283395
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151103/283396
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141105/156803LOGO

2016 RAV4, Tacoma Lead Toyota’s Charge At Miami International Auto Show

November 3, 2015

MIAMI, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New style, new safety features and new tech – and even a new hybrid. New is the name of the game for Toyota at the Miami International Auto Show, held Nov. 6-15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151103/283247

The newly redesigned Toyota RAV4 gets an extra boost with a hybrid model. The RAV4 Hybrid will deliver more horsepower and better acceleration, with fewer fill-ups. Higher MPG and extra power comes without sacrifice on the RAV4 Hybrid – equipped with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with Intelligence.

But the hybrid model isn’t the only addition to the RAV4 lineup. The new SE grade features a sport-tuned suspension, providing a more dynamic and responsive driving experience. The SE also adds premium convenience features and performance styling cues inside and out.

Together with the new Hybrid XLE and Limited, all 2016 RAV4 models will feature refreshed exterior styling, providing a sleeker, more dynamic appearance. Toyota listened to customer feedback and added more refinement and technology to the interior as well, including an available 7-inch touch-sensitive audio screen, 4.2-inch multi-information display in a revised gauge cluster, additional USB and power outlets and more soft-touch materials.

Additionally, the 2016 RAV4 offers Toyota Safety Sense, a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. The package bundles cutting edge safety technologies including a pre-collision system for vehicles and pedestrians, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure alert and forward collision warning.

The RAV4 also offers Toyota’s new Bird’s Eye View Camera. This Toyota-first technology utilizes four cameras to give the driver a panoramic view of their surroundings, offering assistance when parallel parking and when pulling in and out of parking spaces.

“RAV4 owners love it for its comfortable size and massive utility – a perfect combination for their active lifestyles,” said Craig Pollock, Group Vice President for Southeast Toyota Distributors. “By making our best RAV4 yet, we expect it to continue to win the hearts of our customers and set the tone for the hottest segment in the auto industry.”

Show attendees can also check out the all-new 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Rebuilt inside and out with an all-new powertrain and enhanced suspension tuning, America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for 10 years running retains its throne on the mountaintop for dirt stomping adventurers.

For more information on the Tacoma, RAV4 and the rest of Toyota’s 2016 lineup, visit www.toyota.com.

Spanish language version available.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM), the world’s top automaker and creator of the Prius and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built more than 25 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 42,000 people (more than 33,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.67 million cars and trucks (more than 2.35 million in the U.S.) in 2014 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today.

Toyota partners with philanthropic organizations across the country, with a focus on education, safety and the environment. As part of this commitment, we share the company’s extensive know-how garnered from building great cars and trucks to help community organizations and other nonprofits expand their ability to do good. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Kia Motors America Announces Best-Ever October Sales

November 3, 2015

IRVINE, California, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever October sales of 50,044 vehicles, a 12-percent increase over the same period last year. Led by the Optima and Soul with 14,381 and 12,246 units sold, respectively, October marked Kia’s sixth straight monthly sales record.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151103/283357

“Kia is a challenger brand, and our ability to outpace the industry without the benefit of a truck in our lineup speaks volumes about consumers discovering the new Kia,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “With the all-new 2016 Optima arriving in showrooms and the completely redesigned 2017 Sportage making its North American debut at the LA Auto Show this month, this is an exciting time for Kia as we push toward a strong finish to the year.”

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA proudly serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and set an all-time annual sales record in 2014, surpassing the 500,000 unit mark for the third consecutive year. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900¹ flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle², Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 15,000 plant and supplier jobs.

Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. 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.

	MONTH OF OCTOBER		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2015	2014	2015	2014
Rio	1,571	2,534	21,847	31,921
Forte	5,198	5,190	68,498	58,983
Optima	14,381	11,840	132,684	134,486
Cadenza	1,018	608	5,898	8,237
K900	229	62	2,134	1,168
Sportage	4,476	3,743	43,484	36,386
Sorento	8,593	7,656	94,354	84,234
Sedona	2,332	2,376	32,196	8,032
Soul	12,246	10,685	124,929	126,264
Total	50,044	44,694	526,024	489,711

______________________________

¹ 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

² Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

Design Updates, Enhanced Tech and New Higher-Level Trim Makes the Fun and Efficient 2016 CR-Z Hybrid Sport Coupe More Stylish and Feature Rich

November 3, 2015

Combining new, more aggressive styling, upgraded standard and available features and sporty handling, the 2016 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid goes on sale November 3.

TORRANCE, California, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Combining new, more aggressive styling, upgraded standard and available features and sporty handling, the 2016 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid goes on sale November 3 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP)¹ ranging from $20,295 for the CR-Z LX with 6-speed manual transmission (MT) to $25,090 for the new EX-L with standard navigation (CVT). The CR-Z’s agility is backed up by its punchy hybrid powerplant that produces up to an impressive 140 lb-ft of torque (MT)², while offering EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 36/39/37 mpg³ city/highway/combined (CVT).

Boasting an edgier, more chiseled look, the redesigned front end features sharp character lines that flow from the sheet work and terminate in an angular eight-point polygon grill. A sharp, blade-like front diffuser sweeps up from the center and dissects the front corners to form triangular fog light wells that create a wider look and feature prominent lower aero sills. The aggressive stance created by the front end continues along the CR-Z’s sides with flared full-length side garnishes that create a planted and sucked-to-the-tarmac look, complemented by new swept five-spoke design alloy wheels. The upward sweeping aero features of the front are mirrored at the rear, pushing the exit pod design elements to the sides for a wider looking stance.

Upgraded interior surface treatments include a new brushed metallic finish to the door handles, front paneling and center console. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and new-for-2016 heated and leather-trimmed seats on the top-of-the-line EX-L Navi trim include an attractive contrasting stitch pattern. Creating an even sportier cockpit feel, a new center console rises between the seats with a comfortable armrest and deep storage compartment. Allowing for this addition is a new standard electric parking brake (EPB) that eliminates the traditional parking brake lever and offers easier push-button operation. Another new standard convenience feature is the Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop system that simplifies approaching, entering and operating the CR-Z.

Newly standard on all CR-Z models is the 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen. The intuitive and easy-to-use Display Audio lets you swipe, tap and pinch–just like on a tablet computer or smartphone–to control the vehicle’s audio system, display settings and other advanced features, including Pandora® compatibility. CR-Z EX and EX-L Navi trims include Honda LaneWatch™, which displays a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the Display Audio screen. On the new EX-L trim, Display Audio includes as standard the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic.

New 2016 CR-Z Features:

Center console with armrest (standard)
Electric parking brake (standard)
Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop (standard)
Display Audio (standard)
Honda LaneWatch™ (EX and above)
Heated leather seats (EX-L)
Display Audio with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (EX-L)

The 2016 Honda CR-Z is available in LX, EX and EX-L trims. All trims come equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available CVT. To further enhance convenience and protection, to customize feature content and provide personalization opportunities for the 2016 CR-Z, Honda developed a range of Honda Genuine Accessories. New styling accessories include front bumper, rear tailgate and A- and B-pillar garnishes, LED fog lights with blue accent, and a fuel tank lid garnish. View, build and price a 2016 Honda CR-Z, including accessories at http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z.

2016 Pilot Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Trim	Transmission	MSRP¹	EPA MPG Rating³(city/highway/combined)
LX	MT	$20,295	31/38/34
LX	CVT	$20,945	36/39/37
EX	MT	$22,140	31/38/34
EX	CVT	$22,790	36/39/37
EX-L	MT	$24,440	31/38/34
EX-L	CVT	$25,090	36/39/37

Powertrain
The hybrid powertrain uses a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam (SOHC) engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA®) system’s DC brushless electric motor. Powered by a 144-volt Lithium-Ion battery pack, the 15 kW electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy to recharge the battery pack. Combined peak output is 130 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 140 lb.-ft. of torque (127 lb.-ft. on CVT-equipped models), including electric-motor assist.

Selectable Econ, Normal and Sport operating modes let the driver select his or her desired balance of economy and performance. In addition, the standard Plus Sport System delivers increased acceleration when the driver presses the “S+” button on the steering wheel (when the battery is more than 50-percent charged and the CR-Z is traveling over 19 mph). The CR-Z’s idle-stop feature temporarily turns off the gasoline engine when the vehicle comes to a stop under certain conditions. In this situation, the hybrid powertrain’s ECU monitors the closed throttle, speed and brake pressure to determine the driver is bringing the car to a stop. When the brake pedal is released, the engine is restarted and power is available immediately.

Body
Refreshed with exterior design and trim upgrades for 2016, the CR-Z’s “one-motion” exterior wedge shape begins at its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance, with its deeply inset beltline adding a dynamic element. Standard exterior features include power windows and power door locks, remote entry, and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. The CR-Z EX and EX-L model add LED daytime running lights (DRL), High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with Auto-On/Off, and fog lights.

Chassis
The front MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension systems, along with electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS), are tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. All CR-Z models have 16-inch aluminum wheels and 195/55R16 tires. The CR-Z’s low height, compact wheelbase and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area contribute to a low center of gravity and responsive, sporty handling.

To further improve the 2016 CR-Z’s handling prowess, the chassis was retuned with several components receiving upgrades: the front stabilizer bar diameter was increased from 19 mm to 20 mm; the rear wheel track was increased by 10 mm; and front and rear brake discs were enlarged to 11.1 inches in diameter (up from 10.3 inch front and 10.2 inch rear).

Interior
The CR-Z interior has a high-tech appearance and intuitive controls including the new Display Audio touchscreen. The hybrid sport coupe’s ultra-modern instrument panel features gauges that illuminate with a three-dimensional color theme for a multi-layered appearance, with the tachometer backlighting color changing based on driving style. The sweeping upper dashboard shape creates a wraparound cockpit environment. Premium sport-oriented seats provide firm lateral support along with everyday driving comfort and are now offered on the new EX-L trim as heated leather seats with an attractive contrasting stitch pattern to provide a premium sporty interior feel. A console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, with a hard-shell separator that can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

Standard electronic features include the Display Audio-operated, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and speed-sensitive volume control and a USB⁶ auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player. Other interior features include Pandora® compatibility, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, automatic climate control and cruise control.

The CR-Z EX and EX-L adds a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer and HD Radio™⁷. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™⁸ is standard on the CR-Z EX-L. Included with the Navi system are HD traffic and voice recognition, Bluetooth® streaming audio and an SMS text messaging function.

Safety
Honda’s exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and design features to the front of the vehicle intended to mitigate potential injuries to a pedestrian in a collision.

All 2015 and newer Honda models, including the 2016 CR-Z, incorporate a multi-angle rearview camera⁹. Viewable on the 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen, the camera can show a top view, normal or wide view when the transmission is in Reverse. The camera view features dynamic guidelines that help the driver better judge distances and project the vehicle’s future path based on the driver’s steering inputs.

Warranty
The 2016 Honda CR-Z is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/ unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty. A 15-year/150,000-mile emissions warranty also applies when the vehicle is registered and normally operated in California and certain states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations. Genuine Honda Accessories are covered by the vehicle’s 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty when obtained and installed at the time of original vehicle purchase. The HPD supercharger kit maintains the balance of customer’s 5 year/ 60,000 mile Honda limited powertrain warranty when installed by a Honda dealer.

For More Information
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/cr-z. To join the CR-Z community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/hondacrz. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2016 Honda CR-Z is available at hondanews.com/channels/cr-v. For more information about HPD and the company’s racing product lines, please visit http://hpd.honda.com.

¹MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

²140 lb-ft of torque @ 1000-2000 rpm (combined engine SAE net plus electric motor) for MT, 127 lb-ft @ 1000-3000 rpm (combined engine SAE net plus electric motor) for CVT.

³Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition, and other factors.

⁴ 197 horsepower @ 6000 rpm estimated combined engine SAE net plus electric motor horsepower. Output will vary by individual vehicle. The HPD supercharger kit is available exclusively for CR-Z manual transmission models.

⁵130 horsepower @ 6000 rpm (combined engine SAE net plus electric motor horsepower).

⁶The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

⁷HD Radio is a proprietary trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.

⁸The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX-L in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

⁹ Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera display does not provide complete information about all conditions and objects at the rear of your vehicle.

Third-party trademarks: The Bluetoothword mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license. Pandora, the Pandora logo and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. Used with permission.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151102/282863

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73520LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/design-updates-enhanced-tech-and-new-higher-level-trim-makes-the-fun-and-efficient-2016-cr-z-hybrid-sport-coupe-more-stylish-and-feature-rich-300171335.html

Texas home sales, prices rise in 2015-Q3, housing inventory holds steady

November 3, 2015

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas home sales and prices continued to rise in the third quarter of 2015, while monthly housing inventory held steady, according to the 2015-Q3 Texas Quarterly Housing Report released today by the Texas Association of Realtors.

“Overall, statewide numbers continue to be strong,” said Scott Kesner, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors. “Last year fell just short of being the best year ever in Texas real estate, but 2015 has shown consistent year-over-year gains in both home sales and prices. At this current pace, 2015 could very well surpass 2007 as a record year for Texas home sales.”

According to the report, Texas home sales rose 7.8 percent year-over-year to 91,704 home sales in 2015-Q3. Texas home prices saw similar gains, with median price rising 7.7 percent year-over-year to $199,900 in 2015-Q3.

Monthly housing inventory in Texas was 4.0 months in 2015-Q3 compared to 3.9 months in the same quarter last year. While housing inventory remains firmly within a seller’s market, it appears to be holding steady despite rising housing demand. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University estimates that a monthly housing inventory between 6.0 and 6.5 months is a level at which supply and demand for homes is balanced.

Jim Gaines, Ph.D., chief economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, explained, “The housing market continued to be strong in Texas during the third quarter, but high housing demand coupled with shortages in labor and lots continued to restrict new home construction, leaving inventory strained. Fortunately, more Texans are listing their homes on the market as prices have risen, possibly in expectation of rising interest rates in the future.”

Active listings statewide rose 7.6 percent year-over-year to 102,644 active listings in 2015-Q3. Texas homes also continued to spend less time on the market. In 2015-Q3, Texas homes spent an average of 51 days on the market, a decrease of six days compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

Chairman Kesner concluded, “Another strong buying season is in the record books, which is why the Texas Association of Realtors is out there advocating for infrastructure and affordability measures that support this enduring housing demand. We encourage Texans to vote ‘yes’ for both Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 on Nov. 3, both of which are critical to maintaining homeownership affordability in Texas and creating a sustainable infrastructure for our rapidly-growing state.”

About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report
Data for the Texas Quarterly Housing Report is provided by the Data Relevance Project, a partnership among local REALTOR® associations and their MLSs, the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, and the Texas Association of REALTORS®. The report provides quarterly real estate sales data from a statewide perspective and for 25 metropolitan statistical areas in Texas. It is scheduled for release by the Texas Association of REALTORS® on the following dates each year (or the next business day): Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1. To view the 2015-Q3 report in its entirety, visit TexasRealEstate.com.

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With more than 100,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Danielle Urban
Pierpont Communications
512-448-4950
[email protected]

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