It may be hard to believe but Kia went bankrupt 10 years ago due to the Asian financial crisis. It may be hard to believe because today Kia is so well established and growing by leaps and bounds. In 1998 Kia was sold to Hyundai Motor Company. Back then Kia sold two vehicles, the Sephia and the Sportage. Just a car and an SUV.
Today, Kia has a whole lineup of vehicles including cars of all different prices and styles, SUV’s, crossovers, and a mini van. Not only that but they have been ranked highest in quality and backed by a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Kia’s sales are ever increasing at a time when everyone else’s sales are decreasing. There is a reason. Kia is a high quality vehicle at a very affordable price.
Where will Kia be in the future? Kia recently hired Peter Schreyer—one of the automobile industry’s most celebrated and influential designers—to be their Chief Design Officer. Schreyer is the man behind the Volkswagen New Beetle, the Audi TT and the Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo. He is a true innovator and will surely take Kia to the next lever.
Eui Sun Chung, President and CEO of Kia, is excited that Mr. Schreyer has joined Kia, commenting, “As we continue to develop the Kia brand, we must continually enhance our vehicles through world class, innovative advances in product design. Mr. Schreyer’s appointment underlines our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding customers’ expectations.
“Mr. Schreyer’s track record speaks for itself. We are looking forward to laying out a long-term strategy that will center on molding a unique and consistent design lineage for the entire future Kia lineup. We are focused on boosting our competitiveness and image by dramatically upgrading the design element, while adding a strong emotional dimension to the brand.” That “strong emotional dimension,” as Mr. Chung so eloquently puts it? That’s passion.
So if you’re impressed with Kia now compared to 1998, just wait. It will only get better.
If you're interested in checking out what Kia has to offer, Please contact Dick Scott Kia at (734) 397-9900
