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Kia Opens its First Solar Powered Dealership Worldwide in South Africa


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State-of-the dealership serves as a flagship example for sustainability and eco-friendly operation

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Kia Motors South Africa opened its first eco-friendly solar powered 3,620m² dealership in Weltevreden Park on 19 February 2013, which is a first in the local automotive industry, and for Kia dealerships worldwide. Official construction for this new dealership started in January 2012, and was completed one year later on January 2013.

The two major areas that contribute to this dealership’s eco-friendly philosophy include power saving in the form of renewable energy and water recycling.

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The dealership is powered by 288 roof-mounted solar panels, creating a daily maximum of 69kW of power, which is enough to power an average of 22 households per day. The energy generated by these panels is split between three converters, providing three-phase electricity at a capacity of 50 Hertz and 240 Volts. This electricity then goes directly into the load as required. If the supply of electricity exceeds the demand, the remaining electricity is stored in three state-of-the-art battery banks.

In line with the dealership’s environmental policy, low wattage luminaires (fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps) are used in the major areas of the dealership. Standard high base 400-Watt lamps are replaced with 4 x 54-Watt lamps, providing the same light, but using less energy. Occupancy sensors have been installed in most areas of the building which will switch off automatically after a few minutes if no movement is detected, further contributing to the dealerships’ overall energy saving.

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The second main contributor to the eco-friendliness of Kia Weltevreden is its ability to recycle water through its state-of-the-art filtration system. Rainwater is collected from the facility’s roof and is then distributed into six containers, each with a holding capacity of 10000 litres. This water is then pumped into the car wash where it is used, where after it gets pumped back into the water filtration system which purifies the water from oil, soap or any other dirt. This water is then filtered and pumped back into the containers, to be re-used in the car wash bay.

“The Kia brand has shifted to the next level. Not only do we offer consumers a competitive value proposition with our re-designed and re-engineered products, but ventures like our brand new solar powered dealership have given us the platform to become leaders in the industry”, comments David Sieff, National Marketing Manager of Kia Motors South Africa.

 

 

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