Kia
A car brand breaking out or rising from Asia. That is what 'Kia' in Kia Motors stands for. Indeed, that is how Kia is, a major global car player with humble beginnings from eastern Asia. Kia Motors definitely stands out from the rest of global carmakers, as evident by the company's easy emergence into the US market and robust sales figures.
A pride of South Korea, Kia is in fact the country's strongest and oldest car assembler. The company was founded and incorporated in 1944 not initially as a car manufacturer but as a steel tubing and bicycle motorbikes producer.
Collaboration with other global car making partners has helped Kia boost and improve its brand status. In 1986, the company entered into an alliance with the United States' Ford Motor Company. Together, Kia and Ford were able to jointly produce several vehicles carrying the trade name Mazda, which sold like hotcakes in South Korea and was robustly exported abroad.
Through the years, the strengthening brand recognition for the company continued to emerge. In 1992, the firm again stood to achieve another feat. Kia Motors America was established to represent and handle the Kia brand not just in the United States but also in the entire North America.
Since then, Kia tailored the reputation of incorporating its brands in many regions all around the world. To date, the company has six subsidiaries and car making affiliations, including the Kia Motors Slovakia, Asia Motors Ltd, Kia Motors America, Doongpung Ywieda Kia, Kia Dewan Motors Pakistan and Kia Motors Europe.
However, the company has survived not without any serious challenges. At the height of the Asian financial crisis in 1997, Kia filed for bankruptcy protection. Thus, in 1998, Kia agreed to be taken over by local rival Hyundai Motor Company, which beat a tender lodged by US giant Ford Motor.
The issue over the brand's reliability is starting to fade. With the many innovations and management changes, there is no wonder that Kia is now being viewed as one of most improving car brands in the world. The robust sales of Kia cars in the United States and in key car markets can attest to claims of rapid growth.
To date, Kia is one of the most rapidly growing car brands not just in the United Kingdom but also in the rest of the European region. Analysts commend the company's strong brand and reputation for superior car performance for the robust sales and growth globally.
As an aggressive player in the global car industry, Kia is also known for its foray into car event sponsorships. Particularly, the company has been considered one of the high-profile car brands that amazingly grew rapidly in the last decade. Thanks to sporting events sponsorships Kia invested into. Now, brand recognition is large and significant as envisioned by the company for global growth.
There are many reasons why South Korea should be proud of its culture and its local firms. Kia would be one of those major prides not just of the Koreans, but also of the rest of Asians.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 15/08/2007
