What is the relationship between Hyundai and Kia?
2 Answers
Hyundai and Kia are both Korean car brands under the same company, officially named Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. Originally, Kia operated independently but was later acquired by Hyundai due to poor management, hence the name Hyundai Kia Automotive. Both brands use engines of the same displacement with essentially identical parameters. The Fiesta is a sports sedan under Beijing Hyundai, equipped with 1.4T and 1.6T power engines, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In terms of suspension, the car features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. The body dimensions are 4660mm in length, 1790mm in width, and 1425mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm.
As a long-time observer of the automotive industry, I see Hyundai and Kia as two branches of the same family, both under the umbrella of Hyundai Motor Group. After being acquired by Hyundai in 1998, Kia became its subsidiary but maintained independent brand operations. They share technology platforms, engines, and components—for instance, the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 utilize the same chassis design, reducing R&D costs. In global markets, they collaborate closely to jointly advance South Korea's automotive industry, with joint venture plants in China and the U.S. enhancing efficiency. In terms of brand positioning, Hyundai leans more toward mainstream and family-oriented appeal, while Kia emphasizes sportiness and youthful design. In recent years, they have jointly invested in electric vehicles, with models like the Hyundai IONIQ and Kia EV series sharing battery technology—this collaboration has significantly boosted their competitiveness. As an automotive enthusiast, I appreciate how they learn from each other while retaining their distinct identities, elevating overall quality.
