Modified Kia Sportage Will Help Sea Turtle Inc., Experts Care for Endangered SeaTurtle Population: Sea Turtle Habitats, Natural Landscape and Sea Turtle Safety Were Accounted for When Modifications Were Made
The customized 2023 Sportage X-Pro SUV features modifications both inside and out. The changes account for not only the organization’s day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, but they also considered the fragile ecosystem in which sea turtles’ nest and hatch their young.
“We worked very closely with the experts at Sea Turtle Inc. to modify this Sportage X-Pro SUV to specifically address their needs in terms of performance, convenience, functionality, and operation, especially when driven in areas in which sea turtle nests are present,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “Sea Turtle Inc.’s one-of-a-kind Kia Sportage will help this important organization complete their tasks more efficiently and enable them to rescue even more endangered sea turtles than the 5,600 they saved last year.”
On the outside, in addition to custom paint and “Turtle Charged” badging, the Sportage features a specially modified tow hitch. The vehicle’s standard white LED lights were modified so the Sea Turtle Inc., experts could switch to lights that glow red as studies show red light is better tolerated by migrating sea turtles than the bright white light emitted by the Sportage’s standard LED headlights. In addition, the Sportage was outfitted with larger, low-pressure tires that provide enhanced performance on soft sandy beaches by increasing traction and maneuverability, providing better control when navigating landscapes where hidden sea turtle nests abound. Finally, the vehicle’s interior was customized with unique and innovative storage solutions both in the cabin as well as in the cargo area. These modifications were designed to allow Sea Turtle Inc, to transport eggs, sea turtle hatchlings and even rehabilitated adult sea turtles as needed.
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- Vehicle donation is part of larger partnership between Kia and Sea Turtle Inc., which includes renovations to help modernize the non-profit’s facilities
The customized 2023 Sportage X-Pro SUV features modifications both inside and out. The changes account for not only the organization’s day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, but they also considered the fragile ecosystem in which sea turtles’ nest and hatch their young.
“We worked very closely with the experts at Sea Turtle Inc. to modify this Sportage X-Pro SUV to specifically address their needs in terms of performance, convenience, functionality, and operation, especially when driven in areas in which sea turtle nests are present,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “Sea Turtle Inc.’s one-of-a-kind Kia Sportage will help this important organization complete their tasks more efficiently and enable them to rescue even more endangered sea turtles than the 5,600 they saved last year.”
On the outside, in addition to custom paint and “Turtle Charged” badging, the Sportage features a specially modified tow hitch. The vehicle’s standard white LED lights were modified so the Sea Turtle Inc., experts could switch to lights that glow red as studies show red light is better tolerated by migrating sea turtles than the bright white light emitted by the Sportage’s standard LED headlights. In addition, the Sportage was outfitted with larger, low-pressure tires that provide enhanced performance on soft sandy beaches by increasing traction and maneuverability, providing better control when navigating landscapes where hidden sea turtle nests abound. Finally, the vehicle’s interior was customized with unique and innovative storage solutions both in the cabin as well as in the cargo area. These modifications were designed to allow Sea Turtle Inc, to transport eggs, sea turtle hatchlings and even rehabilitated adult sea turtles as needed.
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