Who Owns Kia Motors? The Truth Behind the Brand
At some point while shopping for a vehicle, you may have asked yourself: Who owns Kia Motors? It’s a common question, especially now that Kia has become a major force in the Canadian market. Known for its bold designs, tech-forward features, and unbeatable warranty coverage, Kia is a brand that’s earned consumer trust. But what many drivers don’t know is the story behind the badge. At Orleans Kia, we’re here to set the record straight.
Kia Motors Is Owned by Hyundai Motor Company
The short answer is that Kia Motors is owned by Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker. The partnership began in 1998, during the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis, when Hyundai purchased a controlling stake in Kia. Today, Hyundai remains Kia’s largest shareholder, owning approximately 33.88% of the company. This makes Kia a subsidiary of the larger Hyundai Motor Group, which also includes the luxury Genesis brand.
Are Kia and Hyundai the Same?
While both companies fall under the same parent group, Kia and Hyundai are not the same automaker. They operate as independent brands with separate design teams, product lines, and brand strategies. Hyundai typically leans toward refined, conservative styling, while Kia focuses on youthful energy, bold aesthetics, and performance-driven engineering. That said, the two brands share technology and innovation under Hyundai Motor Group, giving both access to industry-leading advancements in electric vehicles, safety systems, and drivetrain development.
What Is the Hyundai Motor Group?
The Hyundai Motor Group is one of the largest automotive conglomerates in the world. It not only includes Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, but also a broad network of companies involved in mobility, robotics, and future technologies. Through this ecosystem, Kia benefits from shared research and development, including EV battery innovation, hydrogen fuel cell systems, and autonomous driving platforms. In short, Kia is backed by one of the most powerful automotive organizations on the planet, which translates to better vehicles and more value for Canadian consumers.
A Brief History of Kia Motors
Founded in 1944, Kia started as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing. It entered the automotive space in the 1970s and began exporting vehicles internationally in the decades that followed. Kia made its Canadian debut in 1999, and after joining Hyundai Motor Group, it quickly began evolving into a top-tier automaker. Models like the Kia Forte, Sorento, Telluride, and EV6 have since become known for their quality, style, and long-term dependability. Today, Kia is one of the top-selling non-luxury brands in Canada.
What Does This Mean for Canadian Buyers?
For Canadian drivers, Kia’s ownership by Hyundai means something very important: stability, innovation, and support. Kia customers benefit from global engineering resources, access to next-generation electric vehicle platforms, and some of the most advanced safety technologies available today. On top of that, Kia offers an industry-leading 5 year/100,000km, making it one of the most dependable choices for long-term ownership. At Orleans Kia, we see every day how Kia’s balance of value and quality resonates with our customers.
Experience Kia’s Innovation at Orleans Kia
So, if you’ve been wondering who owns Kia Motors, the answer is Hyundai Motor Company—backing Kia with the global resources of the Hyundai Motor Group. But make no mistake: Kia stands proudly on its own, offering a distinct lineup of vehicles that continue to redefine what affordable performance and reliability look like.
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Browse our new Kia inventory or visit Orleans Kia to speak with our team and explore our latest models. From compact sedans to cutting-edge EVs, Kia has something for everyone—and we’re here to help you find it.