Savannah Technical College received two vehicles for use in instruction for its Automotive Technology programs at the Savannah and Liberty Campuses from Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). The Optimas were donated to the College’s Foundation, which gave them to the Automotive Technology program.

“KMMG is the ideal corporate partner for an institution like Savannah Technical College,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “They continue to provide vehicles for instructional use and support workforce development across the state.”

The vehicles will give STC students hands-on opportunities to apply theoretical training to live work. Students will be able to learn with the most up-to-date technologies in the industry, like electric power steering and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) fuel system. 

“The automotive industry is highly competitive, and these newer technology vehicles will allow us to set our students apart from others as they prepare to enter the workforce,” said STC Automotive Technology Department Head Anthony Hobbs.

The donated 2016 Optimas are what KMMG refers to as a quality assessment vehicles, which are not made for the open road. The vehicles were trailered to their respective campuses.

Jason Shin, the chief executive officer and president of KMMG, said these vehicles are the perfect fit for a hands-on learning environment like STC’s Automotive Technology labs in Savannah and Hinesville.

“We are donating models with the latest technology so students will be properly equipped with automotive knowledge that will help them succeed,” Shin said. 

KMMG gave 26 of these vehicles to the Technical College System of Georgia last month. To date, KMMG has donated 218 vehicles for educational and training purposes.

STC’s Automotive Technology graduates are trained to hold positions in the automotive service and repair industry as service technicians, inspectors and maintenance and repair mechanics. The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. In AY2019, Automotive Technology students had a 95.6% placement in field with students earning a degree or diploma at 100% placement.