Tag Archives: Kia Corporation

NEWS

Kia brand returns to Malaysia

The South Korean automotive brand, Kia, is making a comeback in the Malaysian market, now directly managed by Kia Corporation instead of through a distributor.

In a recent event, Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd announced its leadership team, which will spearhead sales operations in Malaysia, consisting of:

  • President & Chief Executive Officer: Hyung Ho Kim
  • Managing Director: Emily Lek
  • Director of Product & Government Relations: Hafiz Zaim
  • Executive Sales Manager: Victor Chan
  • Executive Manager of Ownership: Rafhan Saiah
  • Executive Marketing Manager: Vince Yeoh
  • Executive Channel Manager: Phang Chee Wei

 

Under the direct principal leadership model, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, KSM will fully control the brand’s presence, marketing, sales, ownership experience, and training throughout Malaysia.

Kia will also focus on three key areas to strengthen its position in Malaysia.

The primary objective is to implement global operating standards to solidify the foundation for growth while concentrating on branding and marketing strategies that address the question, “Why Choose Kia?”

Secondly, KSM plans to rebuild its dealer network to ensure peace of mind for customers.

Lastly, KSM aims to enhance its product lineup to ensure each product meets the needs of the Malaysian market.

According to Hyung Ho Kim, “Globally, Kia is the 9th largest automotive manufacturer in the world. Our focus is to move forward at a sustainable pace for the long term.

“Our goal is not just to become a rapidly growing brand but to be a brand that pays attention to customers, dealers, and the Malaysian automotive industry,” he explained.

Emily Lek stated, “This is a significant time for us to begin our re-entry into the Malaysian market as an independent entity.

“The brand is no longer represented by a distributor but is led by the parent company that fully controls our voice, values, and vision. With a robust system and a clear plan, we are ready to restore the true Kia brand experience.

For information, Malaysia houses the Kia Asia Pacific headquarters, serving as a strategic think tank for the Asia region.

Kia APAC oversees six subsidiaries, including Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) and its manufacturing unit, Kia Malaysia.

Additionally, Kia APAC manages operations in 33 markets, including ASEAN countries, Australia, and New Zealand.

Kia holds a 3.4 percent market share in the APAC region, with sales exceeding 165,000 units recorded in 2024.

NEWS

Kia Sales Malaysia takes over operations from Bermaz starting January 2026

After four years, Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto Berhad have officially ended their strategic partnership, marking a new era for Kia’s operations in Malaysia.

Effective January 1, 2026, Kia Sales Malaysia will take over all aspects of sales, after-sales, marketing, customer service, and training across Malaysia from Bermaz.

The new entity will be led by Hyung Ho Kim as President and CEO, with Emily Lek serving as Managing Director, who previously worked at Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia.

In an official statement, Ki Seok Ahn, President and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, stated, “Kia is very excited to reinforce its brand presence in Malaysia.

“We believe that our customer-centric strategies and innovations will continue to enrich the customer experience as we support the growth of Malaysia’s economy and automotive industry.”

Kia Sales Malaysia will also focus on enhancing the Kia dealership network, investing in after-sales services, and introducing new models in the near future.

During this transition period, any orders placed before November 30 will be fulfilled as scheduled.

Customers can begin placing orders for new vehicles starting in January 2026 to facilitate a smoother operational transition.