By Editor “Kia” comes from the Hanja word “ki,” which means “to arise.” Hyundai is the owner of Kia. As a member of the vibrant, international Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia has expanded from its modest beginnings as a maker of bicycles and motorcycles to become the fifth-largest automobile manufacturer in the world. In January 2021, the business changed its name from Kia Motors Corporation to Kia Corporation. After its parent firm, Hyundai Motor firm, it is the second-largest car manufacturer in South Korea. Founded in 1944, Kia Corporation is based in Seoul, South Korea. Kia’s dedication to inspiring customers with its goods and services is reflected in its brand tagline, “Movement that inspires.”
Kia– Quick Overview
| Details | Info |
| Origin Country | South Korea |
| Founded | 1944 |
| Founder | Kim Cheol-ho |
| Headquarters | Seoul, South Korea |
| MD/CEO | Ho-Sung Song |
| Hubs | Global manufacturing and distribution hubs across Asia, Europe, Americas |
| Subsidiary | Kia Motors America, Kia Motors Europe (regional operations) |
| Owner | Hyundai Motor Group (majority owner) |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ~$25–30 billion market valuation |
| Official Website | https://www.kia.com/ |
Net Worth and Market Cap
As of February 13, 2026, Kia Corporation’s market capitalization, or net value, is 62.89 trillion. In just one year, its market capitalization has grown by 59.02%. The company is worth 43.20 trillion.
Corporate Leadership
The company’s chief design officer is Karim Habib, its president and chief executive officer is Song Ho-Sung, and its chairman is Chung Eui-sun.
Overview of Services
The headquarters of the global South Korean automaker Kia Corporation are located in Seoul. The company sells electric, commercial, hybrid, SUVs, MPVs, and cars. It uses a network of dealers to market its goods. Millions of people worldwide are being inspired to discover the most efficient modes of transportation by Kia, which is leading the charge in the popularization of battery-electric and electrified cars and creating an expanding array of mobility services.
Scale of Operations
In addition to operating research facilities in the Japan, USA, and Germany, Kia Corporation produces and markets automobiles in South Korea, North America, and Europe. Kia now has 14 manufacturing and assembly facilities spread across eight countries, producing over 1.4 million cars annually. A network of over 3,000 distributors and dealers in 172 countries sells and services these cars.
Kia has three large car assembly plants in its “home” country of South Korea: Hwasung, Sohari, and Kwangju. It also has an environmental R&D facility and a first-rate research and development center with 8,000 technicians at Namyang.
Kia was established in 1944 and has over 75 years of experience in the mobility solutions industry. Today, the corporation sells around three million vehicles annually, employs 52,000 people worldwide, has manufacturing sites in six countries, and is present in more than 190 markets.