Founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of bicycle components, Kia has expanded its business In 1961 they produced their first motorcycle, the C-100, followed by the K-360 motorcycle three months later. In 1970, Kia began production of its first car, the licensed assembly Fiat 124, which was then modified by Korean engineers to better fit the local market. During this period, Kia began developing the gasoline engine for cars, which was completed in 1973. In 1974, Kia introduced its first fully independent car model, the Brisa sedan, while continuing to produce models under license such as the Peugeot 604 and Fiat 132.
In the 1980s, Kia launched the Bongo, a commercial vehicle, and partnered with Japanese automaker Mazda to produce a vehicle primarily intended for agricultural use. In 1986, Ford selected Kia’s manufacturing facilities for the production of the Festiva, which would be exported to the United States. In 1989, Kia introduced its Capital sedan, which was developed entirely in-house.
In 1997, after A.J period of rapid expansion Followed by a major crisis related to the financial crisis that hit Southeast Asia, Kia filed for bankruptcy. The following year, former historical rival Hyundai acquired Kia, thus ensuring its survival and starting a new chapter in the company’s history.
- Kia cars, why they cost so little
- Reliability and problems of Kia cars
Kia cars, why they cost so little
the Kia debuts in the Italian market It dates back to 1998, with the introduction of the first imported models of Shuma, Sephia, Pride and Rio. Next, the flagship Opirus, Carens MPV and Sorento and Sportage SUVs were introduced. Currently, the Kia range includes PicantoAnd A true panda alternativeexpediency Rio, the Ceed sedan (also available in station wagon and shooting brake versions, ProCeed), the hybrid and electric crossover Niro and the new versions of the Sorento and Sportage. One notable model is the EV6, a powerful electric crossover with sporty design, which won Car of the Year in 2022, marking a historic achievement for Kia.
today is Kia Group in Europe Covers 80% of market segments, up from 35% in 2003. The expansion of the range has contributed to a steady increase in sales, which have grown since 2008 to reach 385,000 units sold in Europe in 2015. Factory state – art Zilina, Slovakia, which It was the subject of an investment of €1.6 billion to design and build it, and is now able to meet approximately 54% of European demand for Kia vehicles.
European production of Best selling SUVSportage and Venga compact MPV and the entire Cee’d range, which includes the Cee’d 5-door, Procee’d 3-door and Cee’d Sportswagon. The plant, which began production in 2006 with the Cee’d as its first model, is capable of producing more than 300,000 vehicles annually. In 2015, Kia celebrated the production of the millionth Cee’d. In the same year, the plant set a new annual production record for the Sportage, with 100,000 units produced.
the Kia factory It employs a workforce of 3,700, supported by robotics. A recent investment of €70 million has enabled the plant to assemble new petrol engines to respond to changing market needs and new technologies. Across four product lines, Kia will build small-displacement petrol engines, with the fourth line dedicated to its latest 1.6-liter Smartstream series diesel engine.
This is exactly the key that allows the South Korean manufacturer to be more competitive in terms of prices compared to other market players, including eastern ones. On the one hand, internal production and low labor costs on the other hand, linked to an expansion strategy, make it possible to optimize costs which are reflected in the proposal of the final price list for Italian and European motorists.
Reliability and problems of Kia cars
JD Power has released its annual reliability rating for popular vehicle models, based on problems reported by original owners of new vehicles purchased three years ago, with an average of 100 vehicles considered. This study included approximately 30,000 participants. Kia is placed at the top of the ranking It averages 145 problems, achieving excellent results in several major categories, including 184 specific areas assessed.
The nine categories considered include climate control, driver aids, driving experience, exterior, vehicle features and controls, infotainment, interior, powertrain, and seats. In addition, the study measured owner satisfaction with the vehicle’s condition after three years of use, the retention of its initial attractiveness, and software updates made. The infotainment category is the most problematic, with an average of 51.9 problems per 100 cars.
In most cases, the problems encountered are of a secondary nature, such as speech recognition, work Apple CarPlay and Android AutoBluetooth, USB ports and navigation clarity.
represent callouts Technical checks required by car manufacturers To correct any design defects, component anomalies or problems encountered during vehicle production. These checks and related refunds are performed free of charge through the manufacturer’s help network. The owners of the vehicles concerned are notified by registered letter inviting them to go to an authorized workshop.
In particular, assays were performed on 2915 samples from Kia Soul Because of a problem with the steering box. Because an ineffective sealant was used during manufacture, the element holding the steering gear in place could come loose, causing steering failure.
The new dual power version of Kia Sportage 214 samples sold in our country were subjected to control. Emphasis was placed on the advanced LPG injection system. It was found that salt used to prevent freezing on winter roads can cause filler neck damage. In order to avoid a fuel leak, the component must be replaced, a process that takes about 20 minutes.
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