Kia Motors, headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea`s second-largest automobile manufacturer with sales of over 1.6 million vehicles in 2012.
As of June 2012, the company was 32.8 percent owned by the Hyundai Motor Company, the fourth largest automotive group in the world based on annual vehicle sales in 2012.
Kia began selling cars in 1992, beginning with the Sephia and soon followed by the Sportage, a first entry into the popular SUV market.
Kia expanded into the European market with production in Germany. Making right- and left-hand drive versions of the Sportage for different countries.
By 2009, Kia had established its name in Britain, Australia and South Africa and has continued to expand into other markets Kia Models.
Kia`s fortunes have continued to improve as the merger with Hyundai provided continued benefits-refinement, quality, and reliability, which also improved.
The company instituted a substantial warranty program which caused a real increase in consumer confidence in South Africa in particular.
Kia now has a full line-up of passenger cars, SUVs, and light and heavy commercials for sale in South Africa: Picanto, Rio, Rio Sedan, Cerato Hatch, Cerato Sedan, Optima GDi, Sportage, Soul, and the Sorento and the K2700 commercial.
Vehicles that are affordable, well-made and reliable. The brand promotes great value and performance while retaining sporty characteristics.
Since its beginning, the emphasis has been affordable and well-equipped vehicles that are priced below competing models. The company`s new emphasis for future growth is to focus on design without losing sight of technology and sportiness.
Shooting brake version of the new Kia Ceed spied testing, with potential for a hot GT version
An all-electric Niro EV concept was Kia`s star offering at the Consumer Electronics Show at the start of the year, but now the production Niro EV has been spied testing for the first time, losing its concept car trappings in favour of more conventional styling.
Funny name, Stonic, isn`t it? It actually comes from the words `speedy` and `tonic`. Somehow, these are supposed to evoke youthfulness and fun. It`s evoked plenty of reactions, that`s for sure.
