A new Kia Motors dealership opens today in Bend, at 611 N.E. Purcell Blvd. General Manager Rod Schultheis said he’ll have roughly 60 to 70 cars on the lot today, including Kia’s popular Rio and Soul models as well as a selection of pre-owned vehicles.

Schultheis said the cars’ inexpensive prices and a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty make them attractive in a down economy, which is partly why the dealership is opening. “It’s the perfect family-budget auto,” he said. Schultheis so far has hired 11 people.

The dealership is owned by JKC Bend Automotive Inc., doing business as Team Kia of Bend, and has ties to Kiefer Kia of Eugene. Kias were previously available in Bend between 1994 and 2001 at the former Dave Holt Motors.