10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know About Kia

What Are Some Fun Facts About Kia Motors?

If you're a fan of Kia vehicles, you appreciate their ability to produce stylish, efficient vehicles year after year. However, there's much more to Kia than meets the eye. What are their unique origins? How did they rise to prominence? Keep reading for 10 intriguing facts about Kia that will show you a different side of the brand.

Fact #1: Name Origin

You can trace the origin of Kia's name to the Chinese language. The first syllable, "Ki," means to arise or come out of. The second syllable is a reference to Asia. It's a clever portmanteau indicating their products come out of Asia.

Fact #2: Owned by Hyundai Motor Group

In 1998, Hyundai–a well-known automotive manufacturer in South Korea– purchased a majority ownership in Kia. Since then, it has actively contributed to the company's expansion and development.

Fact #3: Record-Breaking Sales

Kia America reported its best-ever December sales in October 2022, its 30th year in business. They sold 60,422 units which represented a rise of 11.2% over their previous record-breaking year, December 2016.

Fact#4: Humble Origins

Though Kia is the world's fifth-largest automotive manufacturer and Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, the corporation started out in May 1944, making bicycles and motorcycles.

Fact #5: Global Presence

Kia produces over 1.4 million cars annually at 14 production and assembly factories in eight countries. Their vehicles are sold and maintained through a network of over 3,000 distributors and dealers in 172 countries.

Fact #6: Safety Awards

Kia places a strong emphasis on creating safe vehicles. As such, several of their flagship models have earned IIHS Top Safety PICK+ awards for their segment, including:

• Kia Telluride (Midsize SUVs)
• Kia K5 (Midsize cars)
• Kia Stinger (Large cars)
• Kia EV6 (Small SUVs)

Fact #7: Kia's EV Innovation

The company's first zero-emissions electric vehicle offered for sale in the United States was the Kia Soul EV, which debuted in 2015. It saved consumers trips to the pump, traveling up to 93 miles on a single charge with its 27-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. In addition, its electric motor produced 81.4 kilowatts or 109 horsepower.

Fact #8: Hamster Commercials

If you remember the iconic commercials from the 2000s featuring dancing hamsters, you might be a fan of the Kia Soul. Its distinct, boxy exterior stands out in today's crowded streets.

Fact #9: The Kia Stinger's Origin Story

The Kia Stinger was inspired by the GT concept car Kia showed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The GT concept represented Kia's ideal for an RWD, high-performing sports sedan. After the concept car generated buzz and received favorable feedback, Kia created a commercial model that eventually became the first Stinger.

Fact #10: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars

Kia plans to release hydrogen fuel cell cars by 2027. One example is the Kia Niro Fuel Cell, which will provide a zero-emission driving experience. This innovation represents Kia's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

Visit your local Castle AutoPlex McHenry to browse Chicagoland's most-extensive inventory of Kia vehicles!