When you are searching for a car, it can be a tough decision to make. Especially if you are not sure whether you should purchase a Hyundai or a Kia. Luckily, you will find that there are a lot of similarities between the two, such as price, performance, and safety. However, you may also discover that a particular brand has a better reputation for these qualities.
History
In the late 1980s, the South Korean government decided to impose new rules on the country’s car industry. Specifically, it froze specific areas of production, and forced companies to restructure their business models. The first of these was the Motor Vehicle Industry Protection Law, which made it illegal for manufacturers to import major components.
Nevertheless, Kia was able to continue producing cars, and it was even allowed to build lightweight trucks. It also became the first company in Korea to sell a self-made upmarket car.
Kia’s flagship model was the Opirus, which was a full-size car built on a domestic platform. It was the first to employ a free-style design and a clean sheet layout, and Hyundai expected big things from it.
Kia’s success in the automobile industry proved to be short-lived. For a few years, its relatively low cost cars were a good bet. However, the Asian financial crisis hit the country hard. Many companies were crushed, and lending institutions were reluctant to loan money to chaebols.
Kia also benefited from its relationship with the government. A no-strike clause in its labor contract kept it from going bankrupt, and the company was still able to keep running its domestic car business.
Another big improvement was the development of a dedicated environmental research and development center in Namyang. This was in addition to a series of R&D centers in the United States, Japan, and Germany.
Production locations
With a plan to open an EV manufacturing plant in Georgia, Kia could have as many as 8,500 workers. This is expected to be the largest-ever group of people recruited by the state for a single factory. It could be located on a 2,200-acre site.
The state has offered an incentive package worth $1.5 billion. It also has a proposal to build a facility for Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover, both of which are seeking to expand in the area. If both projects go through, they would be the two biggest auto factories ever brought to Georgia.
Kia already has a network of suppliers in Georgia. Hyundai Motor has a large presence in the state.
Kia has a large manufacturing facility near Interstate 85 in West Point. It includes a transmission shop and module shop. There is also a two-mile (three-kilometer) test track.
Kia also has plans to produce a small SUV in Georgia. However, the company is waiting for negotiations with the labor unions to take place.
Research and development centers
The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has begun a series of sweeping changes to its R&D processes. These changes include a reorganization under an architecture-driven system-based organization (ADSO), as well as a refocus on fundamental performance and cost optimization.
With these changes in place, Hyundai will be able to respond more quickly to the changing technology landscape. It will also be better positioned to exceed customer expectations in the global marketplace.
The group’s new strategy has already been implemented in its design division. The company’s design studio in Irvine, California, has been enriched with state-of-the-art visualization technologies, clay modeling tools, and a diverse international team of designers.
Through this collaboration, Hyundai and Kia will engineer new solutions for moon exploration mobility. In addition, they will also collaborate on space environment response technology and special equipment for lunar exploration missions.
While the new model of the Hyundai Tucson plant will begin construction in January 2023, the group has a manufacturing facility in West Point, near Columbus. As part of the plan, the plant will produce engines for the Kia Sorento mini SUV, which is being built at the plant.
Recalls
Hyundai and Kia have recently recalled a number of SUVs over the risk of fires. The company said the recalls will cover nearly 6 million vehicles.
In a separate recall, Kia is also warning drivers about an anti-lock brake system problem. These issues have popped up on several model years of the company’s vehicles.
A new problem with the oil pump has been affecting eight of the company’s models, but it’s not clear whether the problem is with the pumps or the circuit boards. Both problems are suspected to have a similar cause, but there is no evidence that either problem caused any injuries or deaths.
The transmission oil pump may fail, resulting in a loss of motive power. This will cause the vehicle to enter a failsafe mode, which will warn the driver to stop safely. It may also set a diagnostic trouble code with warnings.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is closely watching Hyundai and Kia. As part of the settlement, the automakers must pay $27 million in deferred payments and $16 million in safety measures.
Three-day worry-free guarantee
There are many reasons to buy a new car, and there is a lot to consider. However, if you are looking to get the most out of your money, you might want to consider a Hyundai Kia. This manufacturer has a slew of reliable and affordable models. In addition to the usual suspects, the company has a plethora of innovative customer programs. The latest of which is the Complimentary Maintenance program.
With a warranty as reliable as Kia, you can rest assured that your purchase is protected. The company provides a three-day worry free guarantee, which allows you to swap out your new ride for another new or used model. Among the requirements is that you return your vehicle in “like new” condition.
It’s not surprising that Kia’s three-day worry free guarantee is the envy of the competition. However, this company has taken their commitment to excellence one step further with a slew of customer and service programs that help make the ownership and maintenance experience a breeze. From complimentary car washes to the latest in maintenance and repair technology, you can be sure that your Hyundai will be the king of the road for years to come.