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Kia Motors

If the moniker “K3” is unfamiliar to you, it is the name by which the Forte and Cerato are known in various regions. Reports indicate that the 2024 K3, rather than being a straight replacement for the smaller Rio Sedan, is a successor.

2018 Kia Rio 1.4 EX

A single teaser photograph of the new model’s tail light has been released by Kia in the run-up to the release. We can see from the picture that it features Kia’s new design language, similar to the EV9 and Seltos SUV.

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Kia has revealed its 2024 EV9 model and it is packed with tons of features including level three autonomy and clever aerodynamics that reduce drag and thus increase range.

Kia’s new three-row electric SUV comes with three, the RWD Long Range model, the Standard RWD model, and the AWD model. All three models are based on Hyundai Group’s E-GMP electric vehicle architecture.

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Like many other carmakers, Kia Motors knows that the future is electric. Tougher regulations in Europe and America and growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China are forcing manufacturers to develop and launch electrically-powered vehicles as quickly as possible.

For Kia Motors, the future direction includes a global EV business strategy that aims to put the brand in a leadership position. To achieve this, Kia will launch a diverse range of dedicated BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and partner with EV charging companies worldwide.

Kia is already selling all-electric models such as the Niro (left) and Soul.

100,000 BEVs already sold
“Kia has sold more than 100,000 BEVs worldwide since the introduction of our first mass-produced BEV in 2011, the Kia Ray EV, ” said Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song. “Since then, we have started to introduce a range of new BEVs for global markets and announced plans to accelerate this process in the years ahead. By refocusing our business on electrification, we are aiming for BEVs to account for 25% of our total worldwide sales by 2029.”

Under Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy, announced at the start of 2020, the brand plans to expand its BEV line-up to 11 models by 2025. Over the same period, it is aiming for BEVs to account for 20% of the brand’s total vehicle sales in advanced markets such as Korea, North America and Europe.

The first of seven BEVs, code-named ‘CV’, will be revealed in 2021. It will be the brand’s first dedicated BEV, destined for many regions globally.

The Imagine concept by Kia is a proposal for an all-electric future sedan.

Transition to electrification
Kia Motors’ ‘Plan S’ is a mid to long-term future strategy that has a focus on BEVs and mobility solutions. It calls for a company-wide transformation which will see a new design philosophy embracing progress, diversity and a rich composition of contrasting elements.

Kia is innovating its vehicle planning, development and production to actively reflect diverse customer needs from the product planning stage. To respond to market demands, there will be diverse product types, with a range of models suitable for urban centres, long-range journeys, and performance driving. Its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will enable engineers to develop vehicles with best-in-class interior spaciousness.

Aftersales services
In addition, Kia Motors plans to expand its global aftersales infrastructure for EVs. In its home country, there will be more dedicated EV work bays at service centres, ricing from 600 in 2020 to 2,000 by 2023. There are plans to develop in-house programs to train EV maintenance professionals.

Kia Motors sees the expansion of electric charging infrastructures as a pre-condition for the popularization of EVs and continues to explore activities worldwide to improve charging accessibility for drivers. In Korea, its business activities will directly lead to the construction of a charging infrastructure.

Worldwide, Kia is setting up more than 2,400 EV chargers in Europe and around 500 in North America, partnering with its dealer networks. It plans to continue to increase its charging infrastructure in line with the growing market for EVs.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

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The two carmakers in the Hyundai Motor Group – Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation – have jointly developed the world’s first predictive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Connected Shift System to enhance motoring. The system is also in line with autonomous technology, which is developing day by day.

The system enables the vehicle to automatically shift to the optimal gear after identifying the road and traffic conditions ahead. While the technologies used to automatically shift depend on drivers’ preferences, such as Smart Drive Mode – available on most current Hyundai and Kia models – ICT Connected Shift System is the first ICT to automatically shift the gear according to road and traffic conditions.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation

The ICT Connected Shift System uses intelligent software in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) that collects and interprets real-time input from underlying technologies, including 3D navigation equipped with a precise map of the road as well as cameras and radar for smart cruise control. The 3D navigation input includes elevation, gradient, curvature and a variety of road events as well as current traffic conditions. Radar detects the speed and distance between the vehicle and others, and a forward-looking camera provides lane information.

Using all of these inputs, the TCU predicts the optimal shift scenario for real-time driving situations through an artificial intelligence algorithm and shifts the gears accordingly. For example, when a relatively long slow-down is expected and the radar detects no speed irregularities with the car ahead, the transmission clutch temporarily switches to neutral mode to improve fuel efficiency.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation

During testing on a road with many curves, the frequency of shifts in cornering was reduced by approximately 43% compared to vehicles without the system. Accordingly, the system also reduced the frequency of brake operation by approximately 11%, minimizing driving fatigue and brake wear.

When rapid acceleration was required to enter a highway, the driving mode automatically switched to Sport Mode at the merge, making it easier to join the traffic flow. After merging with traffic, the vehicle automatically returned to its original driving mode, enabling safe and efficient driving.

In addition, engine braking automatically occurred upon release of the accelerator pedal by determining speed bumps, downhill slopes and location of the speed limit change on the road. The changes in distance from the front car were detected by the front radar to adjust appropriate transmission gear automatically improved driving quality.

The ICT Connected Shift System will deliver both improved fuel efficiency and a stable driving experience in the era of autonomous vehicles by providing improved performance in response to real-time road and traffic conditions.

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation

Some 40 major patents in South Korea and abroad for the system which both companies plan to offer on their future models.

Details of the all-new Kia Sorento’s platform and powertrain revealed!

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The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) will collaborate with Canoo, a Los Angeles-based company creating electric vehicles (EVs) for subscription only, to jointly develop an EV platform based on Canoo’s proprietary skateboard design for future Hyundai and Kia models.

As part of the collaboration, Canoo will provide engineering services to help develop a fully scalable, all-electric platform to meet both Korean carmakers’ specifications. HMG expects the platform to help facilitate its commitment to delivering cost-competitive electrified vehicles — ranging from small-sized EVs to Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBV) — that can meet diverse customer needs.

Canoo’s skateboard platform houses the most critical components of the vehicle with a strong emphasis on functional integration, meaning all components fulfill as many functions as possible. This feat of engineering reduces the skateboard size, weight and total number of parts, which ultimately provides more interior cabin space and a more cost-effective EV offering. In addition, the skateboard is a self-contained unit that can support any cabin design.

Canoo Skateboard

HMG envisions an adaptable all-electric platform using Canoo’s scalable skateboard architecture to allow for a simplified and standardized development process for Hyundai and Kia electrified vehicles, which is expected to help reduce cost that can be passed along to consumers. It also aims to reduce complexity of its EV assembly line, allowing for rapid response to changing market demands and customer preferences.

With this collaboration, Hyundai Motor Group doubles down on its recent commitment to invest US$87 billion (about RM360.3 billion) over the next 5 years for future growth. As part of this drive, Hyundai plans to invest US$52 billion (RM215.4 billion) in future technologies through 2025, while Kia will invest US$25 billion (RM103.5 billion)  in electrification and future mobility technologies, aiming for eco-friendly vehicles to comprise 25% of its total sales by 2025.

“We were highly impressed by the speed and efficiency in which Canoo developed their innovative EV architecture, making them the perfect engineering partner for us as we transition to become a frontrunner in the future mobility industry,” said Albert Biermann, Head of Research & Development, Hyundai Motor Group.  “We will collaborate with Canoo engineers to develop a cost-effective Hyundai platform concept that is autonomous ready and suitable for mass adoption.”

Hyundai Kia concept EV
Future Hyundai and Kia electrified models will sit on the Canoo skateboard.

Canoo unveiled its first electric vehicle for subscription only in September 2019, just 19 months after the company’s founding in December 2017. The company’s proprietary skateboard architecture, which directly houses the batteries and electric drivetrain, has enabled Canoo to reimagine EV design in a way that challenges traditional automotive shape and functionality.

The company recently opened the waitlist for its first vehicle. This is a major milestone in its young history and the culmination of the efforts of 300+ experts working to deliver a proof of concept of Canoo’s backbone architectural systems. Canoo’s first vehicle, to be launched in 2021, will be designed for a world in which transportation is becoming increasingly electric, shared and autonomous.

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Canoo takes a different approach to EV engineering and marketing

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Kia Motors has been ranked among the highest valued brands in the world once again, according to Interbrand’s 2017 ‘Best Global Brands’ report. The latest study, released recently, confirms Kia’s brand value has grown 6% in the last 12 months, to US $6.68 billion.

“Kia’s continued efforts to evolve and redefine itself are critical to the sustained growth in its brand value” commented Mike Rocha, Global Director of Brand Valuation at Interbrand. “The launch of the Stinger (top) – Kia’s new and exciting fastback sports sedan, and the opening of ‘Beat 360’ (above) – a new sensory brand experience center in Seoul, fill me with high expectations of a bright future for the company.”

For the second year running, Kia is named the world’s 69th most valuable brand in the report, its latest valuation representing a 645% increase in the value of the Kia brand since 2007. Now the 11th most valuable automotive brand, Kia is ranked ahead of dozens of ‘household name’ consumer brands, as well as a host of volume, premium and luxury car manufacturers.

“This welcome rise in Kia’s brand value is a clear reflection of Kia’s continuous dedication to our customers,” Charles Suh, Senior Vice President of the Corporate Marketing Division at Kia Motors said. “This result provides us with further motivation to continue our mission to become the most desirable automotive brand in the eyes of consumers.”

What is The Power to Surprise?

The sustained growth in the value of the Kia brand is the result of company-wide efforts to cultivate a more emotional attachment between the company’s products and consumers in every market.

Now a byword for quality and reliability in the automotive sector, Kia has achieved the coveted first-place ranking in the USA’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for two years running. Ahead of all other car manufacturers for quality, Kia was also the highest-ranked brand in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study in Germany and UK in 2017.

With such momentum, Kia Motors Corporation recently launched its first-ever premium sports sedan, the Stinger (below) and its new hybrid crossover Niro, which are designed to boost the desirability and dynamism of the Kia brand. Portraying a modern, forward-looking image, Kia’s latest products speak loudly about the company’s efforts to prepare motorists for the future, with advanced powertrains, innovative technologies, and premium quality and design.

 

Digital technologies are at the heart of Kia’s efforts to engage with consumers in markets all around the world. In Korea, Kia broadcasted the anticipated launching show of its new Stinger model live, giving media and consumers the chance to witness the unveiling of the powerful new car first-hand. In the USA, Kia launched the ‘NiroBot’, a Facebook Messenger service allowing users of the social media platform to ask about the new Niro and get instant ‘live chat’ responses.

Also in China, the brand introduced a ‘Kia Surprising Lab’ YouTube service, featuring the technologies at the heart of its latest cars, the K5, KX5 and KX7, which you can see in the short video clip below. All of these efforts illustrate how Kia utilizes relevant and evolving technologies to enhance digital experience and to stay connected with consumers at all times.

 

To accompany the ongoing growth in the company’s product line-up, official partnerships with the world’s most high-profile sports events continue to aid the strength of the brand. Sponsorship arrangements with FIFA, UEFA, NBA, LPGA and the Australian Open tennis championship have provided Kia with a wealth of opportunities to engage with young-at-heart consumers around the globe.

Stay tuned for our upcoming feature on why Kia is catching up fast with the more established Japanese brands! – Chris Wee.

Kia is known for producing good cars at reasonable prices, Lately however, the company has been consistently outdoing itself with its latest range of vehicles. The Korean automotive giant has picked up a number of awards due to this very fact. Now, it has done so for its after sales services.

Kia Motors UK has been awarded Manufacturer Warranty Scheme of the Year at the 2017 Workshop Awards. The automaker was celebrated due to the important work that was undertaken in the service and repair industry. The main contributing factors for the win were Kia’s quick resolution time and parts availability.

Speaking of the win, Hamish McCowan, After Sales Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. said, “We are delighted to receive this award. Since launch in 2007, our customers have benefited from the security and peace of mind the seven year warranty provides. We are yet to be matched in terms of level of cover and simplicity of our warranty scheme.”

Workshop Magazine is a monthly publication in the UK that is tailored to workshop owners, managers and automotive technicians. It provides the necessary information to keep its readership well informed of the automotive news that is of interest an relevance to them.

Kia provides lengthy warranty periods for vehicles sold all over the world. Over here in Malaysia, it offers a 5-year warranty for all its vehicles, which offer customers a worry-free ownership experience.

Kia UK has picked a peculiar way of launching its new grand tourer, the Stinger GT. Instead of throwing a big welcome party during the launch ceremony, The Koran automaker chose to welcome the car by letting three of them loose on an airstrip.

All three vehicles were driven by professional drivers in a staggered ‘half duck V’ pattern on Newquay airport’s runway, which was formerly a military airstrip. The point of this stunt, was to demonstrate the car’s power and capability of achieving speeds over 241km/h1.7. Kia filmed the feat to prove the Stinger GT’s prowess.

Starting at the east end of Newquay airport’s 2.7km runway, all three vehicles were pushed to their limits to reach the intended speed before running out of tarmac. Getting a vehicle of this size from 241km/h to 0 as quickly as possible requires serious stopping power. Here, Stinger’s 350mm ventilated Brembo discs brakes, didn’t disappoint.

This partiuclar site was the same location where the recent land speed record practice runs were conducted. Quite fittingly, once full approval of Newquay airport management and coordination with air traffic control, Kia set out to make its history here as well.

All three cars here were of the GT S variant, which come with a twin-turbo 365bhp 3.3-litre V6 engine. This, allows the Stinger to accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 271km/h.

If there was any doubt that Kia has produced a real rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles, its performance at Newquay airport, has proven otherwise. And based on what we know so far, we can expect more of such cars from Kia in the not so distant future.

Kia has released more images of a concept vehicle that is meant as a precursor to the new Procee’d, and it will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow. Coincidentally, the new car was designed in Frankfurt, which is home to the Korean automaker’s European design centre.

Based on first impressions, the new concept features sleeker lines and a raked roof that add to its sporty character. A more subtle tiger nose grille adorns the front fascia, which is a nod to Kia’s current design language.

The curved projector headlights are able to blend in with the fluid nature of the vehicles contours, which add to the appeal. And unlike the car it will replace, the new Procee’d features a hatchback design, which should be more practical and provide more luggage space for customers.

That said, the actual production ready vehicle may not look identical to this. Admittedly, Kia have said that the concept is meant to provide the public with a glimpse into what the actual car could look like.

That said, it would be prudent to say that a number of the more ‘futuristic’ elements of the car will be retracted and replaced with more sensible and ‘production-ready’ ones. But as a whole, the silhouette including the racked roof, extended hatchback style rear and sleek side profiles should make it onto the actual Procee’d.

Speaking of the concept, Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe for Kia Motors, said, “With many European drivers now seeking performance alternatives to the three-door hot hatch, we began thinking about a different halo model for the cee’d family.”

He later added, “The Proceed Concept represents a bold new vision of how the vibrant soul of the pro_cee’d could be reincarnated and revitalized for a new generation of performance-oriented drivers.”

Information regarding the technology aspect still remains scarce, but we are sure Kia will divulge more when the covers come off teh actual car in just a few days time.

In the US, the Kia Cerato, which is still known as the Forte, has been awarded the Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)(USA), which is the best possible rating. The award pertains to the car built after March 2017 that is equipped with the optional front crash prevention and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with Dynamic Bending Light tech.

The latest accolade complements the one recently received by the car for being named highest-rated compact car in the 2017 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). The results were tabulated based on data from customer satisfaction survey and issues reported in the first 90 days of ownership.

“Kia Forte is one of our most popular and best-selling vehicles,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, Product Planning KMA. “The new distinction of TSP+ rating from the highly-respected IIHS reconfirms the high priority we place on safety for our customers and why Forte remains a favorite in the compact sedan class.”

For a vehicle to qualify for the TSP, the IIHS states that these vehicles have to earn “good” ratings in five crash worthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention and an “acceptable” or “goo” rating in headlight testing.

Over in the US, the Cerato is offered in three different trim levels, namely the LX, S and EX. All come with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces either 147bhp or 164bhp and mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

There’s also a whole host of sophisticated tech that comes with the car, which include autonomous emergency braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, and Dynamic Bending Light system mentioned earlier.

Based on recent news, it looks like Kia is constantly improving by producing safe and technologically advanced models that are able to offer kit of more expensive European cars but at a much cheaper price.

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