CNN has an interesting feature on how Kia has been using unusual marketing techniques during this world recession. The video is centered only on the new Kia Soul. No doubt it has been working – Kia sales has been up 24% in September 2009 and 4% for the whole of 2009 compared to the last year. I particularly enjoy the silly April fool gags that they come up with every year, such as the Aero-Soul. These little playful marketing efforts sort of remind me of what MINI would do.
I’ll let the video do the rest of the talking at CNN’s site.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
i must say this is a very very good company with effort putting in making cars to become better and better. it is better in comfort and quality as well. dont use driveablity as the issue that proton is putting effort, proton is kinda slow.
proton must be fast , really good systematic planning is a must.
Wow, Kia!
they actuall intensified promo n marketing during recession time…
23 or 24 november….arrival of kia forte to msia!!
kia forte next week!!
kia intensified their marketing during recession period…
not surprise.
good products, good quality = wins
Very steep curve for proton to climb. Very. In fact, with the Forte out, people will think twice buying a Honda City, or even buying a Perdana. If Kia does so good, then expect it to eat into Honda, and displace Proton as Malaysia's new fond choice. And add to the fact that Naza seems to get every KIA firsthand.
Kia need to improve durability and aftersale service. I hope Hyundai-Kia become one of the top 3 automaker like VW and Toyota. Toyota Corolla will become a cut-cost car in future, but people will still buy. It is like buying a solid reliable flat, that will not crash in earthquake in Malaysia, with a price of RM500, 000 rather than buying a reasonable semi-detached house with RM300, 000. Which one you prefer?
with the impending launch of forte on 25th…u bet kia sales will climbing even higher next year!
I'm actually impressed with Naza getting CKD kits out so quickly as was the Forte and the Rondo before that.
This Forte is no Spectra. I viewed the coupe 2 months back (as well as the Genesis coupe) but not had the time to drive it. Quite impressively done.
That said, the fit and finish could be better and better hope Naza doesn't screw up a well designed design by putting some short sighted and lame cost saving measures that screw everything up (I'm refering to the Rondo's 2nd row seat design. I hope someone from Naza is reading this. I will not buy a Rondo until you fix the 2nd row seat)
The Kia Forte is good actually, but i doubt it will affect vios/city sales that much in Malaysia especially on its resale value and maintanence….
Otherwise, it will be good alternative to the mundane looking vios…….
Especially in singapore, public perception on kia and hyundai have changed. alot of avantes and fortes on the roads of singapore nowadays
Forte 2.0 is in the same price range as new City & Vios right?
kimi_ said,
November 23, 2009 @ 11:04 am
The Kia Forte is good actually, but i doubt it will affect vios/city sales that much in Malaysia especially on its resale value and maintanence….
Otherwise, it will be good alternative to the mundane looking vios…….
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I would think it would give the Vios and City a good run for the money. Both Selling at 85++K. The 1.6 Forte is a whopping 10grand less for what intents and purposes, a car positioned 1 class higher.
I would think it would do well. If it doesn't you can blame Naza for poor marketing.
Kia has quality in their cars, but those cars are for European market. Cee'd, Soul, are expansive cars.
KIA is very aggresive in mktg eventhough their financial situation is so-so. At least efforts had been made to win the customer.
Not like P1, win the G, squeeze the customer. Good marketing strategy.
1Korea
Kia is not playing around and I have been a car fanatic since I was 4 years old. I have seen a lot
of cars and companies and I am telling yall Toyota is number 1, Honda is 2 and soon in another 3 years Kia will be number 3 unless Hyundai holds them back. Just remember GM and Ford are moving plants and jobs OUT of the U.S. and Toyota, Honda, and now Kia are building plants here in the U.S. especially in the South where the labor is cheap and people are desperate for a job they won't make much fuss like up in the north Detroit and Illinoi and so on.