As humans, we tend to personify things in our lives. We like to think the things we care about most – everything from our pets to our gadgets – have a personality, attitude, and feelings. This has never been truer than it is with our cars. Today is national “Name Your Car” day, so we did some research and learned how to properly name your car (just in case you haven’t already). 

A few pointers:
• Make sure you meet your car before naming her; each car has a personality all its own and that should be taken into consideration before naming your new ride.
• Modify the car make or model to find a name that flows. How about Frank the Ford or Heidi the Honda?
• Avoid naming your car anything embarrassing (e.g., dumpling, muffin, or ducky). Your car should not be confused with your sweet little terrier!

Now get out there and get creative. It’s time to give your trusty ride the name it deserves!

Kia Motors America, easily distinguishable with their hamster-jamming commercials, will be the “Official Vehicle of the 2012 Vans Warped Tour.” This marks the fifth consecutive year for Kia as the Official Vehicle of the Punk and Indie Rock Music Tour. 

This tour will entertain concertgoers in 40 U.S. cities, and Kia is set to make the most of their partnership by sponsoring the two main stages – the Kia Soul Stage and Kia Rio Stage – and using the stages to display the new 2013 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle.

Kia also will connect with revelers at the interactive Kia Soul Lounge, which features exclusive acoustic sets, autograph sessions, interactive music stations and giveaways. Here, fans can gather information on Kia’s lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles, like the 40 mpg 2013 Kia Rio and the 2013 Soul.

While enjoying the performances from the various bands and DJs, fans will have the opportunity to create their own music. A music station will allow people to mix their own 15-30 second beat, which will then be mixed into a comprehensive beat for that specific city and uploaded to the Kia Soul Facebook page. Like previous years, Kia Motors’ official Kia Warped Tour blogger, Steve Guttibinder, will provide fans with behind-the-scenes insights, videos, and photos, as well as answering questions from fans.

The Tour kicks off June 16 in Salt Lake City and will feature more than 90 punk, rock, hip-hop, rap, metal, rock, and electronic artists.

Kia Soul

General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and the Jeep Patriot 

This week Carlocate.com has managed to track down the legendary General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, here is the transcript as it occurred.

Carlocate.com – Stonewall, first of all we would like to thank you for opening up with us about the car you chose, we know that you are normally a very secretive man.

Stonewall –Not a problem. For a worthy car like the Jeep Patriot, I don’t mind sharing a little bit.

Carlocate.com –You are said to be systematic in regards to your war strategies, what systematic approach did you use to select the Patriot?

Stonewall – My approach for selecting a car was based on the following questions:

1. What car will get me through all the traverse terrain I travel?
2. What car is dependable in all weather? I stop at nothing to get the job done.
3. What car has the comfort and style I need to get people to stop accusing me of being sloppy and unkempt?
4. What car has good gas mileage? I travel a lot and hate paying a lot at the pump!
5. I used my trusty horse “Little Sorrel” for my entire military career, what car will be just as dependable as he was?

Carlocate.com – Ok, that sounds like a pretty good system you have in place.  Research also reveals that you are a bit of a hypochondriac; do you have any worries about the Jeep Patriot?

Stonewall - Those rumors are false! If you had a one arm that was slightly longer than the other, you would constantly obsess over it too!  With that being said, I am also able to rest easy knowing that the Patriot won the IIHS Top Safety award for its class so once again nothing to worry about.  

Carlocate.com – That’s a good point, I guess that award can help you to sleep easy at night. However, it’s well known that you are fond of lemons, how do we know that you would not choose a car that is a lemon?

Stonewall – Lemons are for eating, NOT for driving!

Carlocate.com – Well said.  So the Jeep Patriot met all the criteria you wanted and you’re not worried at all?

Stonewall –That’s right!  The Jeep Patriot met my criteria and more.  The Patriot is durable, hard-working, enduring, and can navigate any terrain! I can’t wait to take this car back and show it off to my buddy Robert E. Lee. The only thing I’m worried about now is my uneven arms….

Carlocate.com – So will Robert E. Lee be the first guest to go for a ride in the Patriot?

Stonewall - Seriously, I mean look at my arms isn’t the right one a little shorter than the left?

Carlocate.com – Umm yeah sure……What about the question?

Stonewall – I knew it! I knew my arms were uneven!  Anyways, of course my pal Robby will be the first guest to ride in the car. He will be impressed with the all-around power and versatility provided by the car.  Also, I will be able to show him that I can clean up pretty well.

Carlocate.com – Sounds like a fun drive. Tell General Lee we said hello and maybe we will be able to sit down with him for an interview in the future. Well thanks for the interview Stonewall and to all our readers check back in two weeks for another installment of “Past Figures, Present Rides”. 

Background Information:

   Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson was a Confederate general during the American Civil War.  He was one of the best-known confederate commanders and good friends with legendary general Robert E. Lee.  He led his troops with a systematic approach, and was even asked to teach classes on military strategy and tactics at the Virginia Military Institute prior to the American Civil War.  He earned the nickname “Stonewall” at the first battle of Bull Run, where he had his troops stand still like a “stone wall” even as confederate lines began to crumble.  Aside from military battles, Stonewall battled severe hypochondria with an obsession about his uneven arms and is said to have loved to eat lemons including the rind.  Stonewall died of complications of pneumonia after being wounded in battle.

*Disclaimer: These interviews are for entertainment purposes only and are not based on the actual opinions of the interviewees.