Kia Motors Corporation is part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the
fourth-largest automaker in the world. With its worldwide headquarters
in Seoul, Korea, and operations in 155 countries, Kia has annual sales
in excess of 1.4 million vehicles. A large part of Kia's global success
is an understanding of the importance of producing vehicles that meet
the needs of individual markets. So Kia has research facilities, design
centres and assembly operations in North America, Europe and Asia.
KIA HISTORY
Kia
Motors Corporation grew from humble beginnings as a manufacturer of
steel tubing and bicycles during the 1940s and '50s. In 1969, under the
new banner of Kia (which translates roughly as "rising out of Asia") the
company built its first automobile, the three-wheeled T-600 truck. In
1998, Kia became part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group and began an
aggressive expansion into new markets and new vehicle segments that led
to the establishment of Kia Canada Inc. and the introduction of
brand-defining vehicles like the Kia Sportage, Rondo, Sedona and all-new
2010 Soul.
KIA IN NORTH AMERICAKia's
corporate presence in North America includes its Canadian headquarters
in Mississauga, Ontario, with regional offices in Montreal, Halifax and
Vancouver. In addition, the company has research and design centres in
Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Irvine, California, and will open its first
North American assembly plant later this year in West Point, Georgia.
Kia's full line of vehicles offers world-class quality and customer
satisfaction. Starting with two of Kia's most fuel-efficient vehicles,
the sporty and fun-to-drive
Rio have skyrocketed in popularity for their ability to stretch the distance between fill-ups. The
Optima mid-size sedan brings more room, style and performance.
Rondo is Canada's first Urban Utility Vehicle offering class-leading versatility and efficiency. The compact
Sportage
and intermediate-size Sorento SUV's provide utility and versatility in
all situations. Awarded "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety for the third year in a row, the
Sedona
has become very popular for families all across Canada for its
five-star safety rating and practicality. In 2008, we marked the arrival
of the all new 2009
Borrego
mid-size SUV, featuring Kia's first optional V-8 engine and 3,402 kg
class leading towing capacity. Within our line-up of award wining
vehicles, Kia is committed to environmental sustainability and
protecting the future for both you and your family. Through extensive
research and development, we are actively researching alternative fuels
and expanding the use of eco-friendly technology with the development of
more efficient engines, exhaust systems and transmissions. Kia has
played a leading role in developing alternative-fuel vehicles to help
significantly reduce fuel emissions. Our fuel Cell electric Vehicle
(FCEV) program is developing and testing hydrogen fuel cell powered Kia
Sportages as well as using more materials made from recyclable aluminum
and magnesium ? that are 30% to 40% lighter than steel to boost fuel
economy. The Kia Rio Hybrid, now in testing is expected to reduce air
pollutants by 30% and increase fuel efficiency by 50%. We also continue
to improve our recycling efforts with the establishment of an
automotive recycling centre with the goal of making vehicles that are
95% recyclable.
Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "
The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
With its three dimensional
typeface and logo, the Kia CI is designed to reflect the company's
youthful and energetic image. The rich, deep red color suggests the
passion of the sun and represents Kia's strong determination to move
forward in a lively and entertaining fashion. The supple and refined
ellipse symbolizes the globe and alludes to Kia's stature as a major
player on the world automotive stage.
l commitment to surpassing
customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation, while
embodying the 'exciting and enabling' attributes of the Kia brand.