Kia kicks off global branding in India, drops 'Motors' from its name

After beginning its global transformation journey earlier this year in January and dropping the word 'Motor' from Kia Motor Corporation, the Korean carmaker is now extending its brand transformation exercise in the Indian market.

Known as Kia Motors India since inception in 2017, the company will be called Kia India henceforth. 

In a brand re-launch event today, Kia showcased just how its sleek new logo looks on its key models on sale in India - primarily the Kia Seltos and Sonet SUVs.

According to Ho Sung Song, president, Kia Corporation, "We want to embody it all that allows us to move closer to our customers. The first in that series of moves is the new brand identity."

"Kia Motors India will see the word Motors getting omitted and it would now be referred to as Kia India," he added.

According to Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO, Kia India, "Our new logo signifies our growth and innovative approach, as well as our commitment to drive change in the Indian automotive industry."

"We are transforming our products and services every day. Our partners are working hard too to enable this transformation," Shim added. 

Newly appointed as the vice-president and head of sales and marketing at the company, Harpreet Singh Brar, said, "This is the beginning of a new chapter in the growth journey of Kia in India. Our long-term commitment to India will continue to drive a positive change in industry and customer experience through our products and services."

"Our future strategy in India relies upon translating the new philosophy - movement that inspires. We believe in embracing new technology, achieving higher levels of digitisation and being ready with new products to drive brand affinity," Brar added.

Kia India will be introducing the refreshed versions of its Seltos and Sonet, with the new Kia logo, early next month. 

The company will also be expanding its network to 350 touchpoints, covering over 200 cities including Tier 3 and select Tier 4 towns by end of 2021.

Kia now the No. 3 UV player in India
Kia Motors India, which has been on a roll in the market, sold a total of 155,686 units in FY2021, notching handsome 83% YoY growth and substantially increasing its UV market share to 14.68% from 8.98% a year ago.

The Seltos, Kia’s vehicle of entry into India, remains its best-seller with 89,173 units, followed by the Sonet with 63,717 units and the Carnival MPV with 2,796 units. Kia’s strong performance means it has unseated Mahindra & Mahindra from the No. 3 position, breasting ahead by a mere 156 units.