Kia Reveals Its New Logo

Jason R. Sakurai
by Jason R. Sakurai

Kia revealed its new logo and brand slogan while you were asleep last night, signifying the Korean automaker’s ambitions to become a leader in the industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.

Kia developed the new logo to resemble a handwritten signature, a striking departure from the oval used since its inception in the U.S. The unbroken lines of the logo are supposed to convey the company’s moments of inspiration, while its symmetry signifies confidence. The logo supposedly embodies Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and what it offers customers. Much like Nissan’s recent logo redesign, it will probably have little effect on the buying public. It does make the old oval logo look dated in comparison, hardly the nameplate for a company like Kia that’s on the move.

“Kia’s new logo represents our commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation”, said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”

The new logo was unveiled during an over-the-top pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. This set a new Guinness World Record for most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously. No word on any environmental impact from the smoke or debris from the display.

In addition to the logo, Kia revealed its new global brand slogan, ‘movement that inspires’. Details on Kia’s new brand strategy, purpose, and philosophy as it applies to Kia’s future product line-up will be shared digitally through its New Kia Brand Showcase event to be held Friday, January 15th.

Kia’s Plan S long-term business strategy is to become a leader in the global car market, by focusing on popularizing EVs, introducing a range of mobility services like taxis and service vehicles, and tailoring them to meet the needs of local markets. Today Korea, tomorrow the world is essentially the message.

[Images: Kia]

Jason R. Sakurai
Jason R. Sakurai

With a father who owned a dealership, I literally grew up in the business. After college, I worked for GM, Nissan and Mazda, writing articles for automotive enthusiast magazines as a side gig. I discovered you could make a living selling ad space at Four Wheeler magazine, before I moved on to selling TV for the National Hot Rod Association. After that, I started Roadhouse, a marketing, advertising and PR firm dedicated to the automotive, outdoor/apparel, and entertainment industries. Through the years, I continued writing, shooting, and editing. It keep things interesting.

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  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Jan 09, 2021

    Well buying a KN is better than a KIA so it may work.

  • Jagboi Jagboi on Jan 13, 2021

    Hmm, that Kia logos is nearly identical to the VIA in Via Rail Canada's logo, the only difference is the angled line to make the first letter a K.

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