Is Kia having an identity crisis? No, but they are looking to "buff up" their image globally, in hopes to buff up sales figures.
Makers of the all new Kia Optima, which can be taken for a drive at Pence Kia - Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA, are undergoing yet another facelift process - both with vehicles and their company.
The South Korean auto maker recently unveiled new models, like Optima, with more powerful engines and fiercer front grills.
Kia is also changing its image as an employer. The company provides lunch break soccer matches on three artificial-turf fields, dormitory lodging for unmarried employees, a company hospital and fire station near the factory entrance. This from a facility that only a decade ago wasn't sure if it would stay in business.
The plant in Hwasung, South Korea, is running at full capacity, and built 547,000 vehicles last year to meet global demands.
We had to get back to the basics," says Tae-Hyun "Thomas" Oh, chief operating officer, at Kia headquarters. "We worked hard in pursuing product quality. We knew we couldn't sell our cars without it." The plans included designing sleek models for the "young at heart," spending more on youthful ads.1
It seems to be working. Numbers of Kia vehicles rolling off dealership lots continue to rise. Are you ready to give Kia a try?
Source: 1http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2011-06-27-kia-rising_n.htm