Kia NZ’s Cerato first to wear new badge

The Kia Cerato (above) has had a facelift and will get the new logo. Photo: Kia

Kia New Zealand has revealed the soon-to-arrive facelift Kia Cerato will be the first vehicle in the brand’s model range to debut the new corporate logo.

As announced earlier this year, the new logo (complemented with a new global slogan) sets Kia on a course for an electrified future as part of the brand’s ‘Plan S’ long-term business strategy.

“We introduced the new logo on our website in January, so we have been waiting for a few months to see it in the flesh,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

“It’s going to be very exciting to view it on an actual vehicle for the first time as it’s a significant milestone in the evolution of the brand and, understandably, anticipation is building at Head Office and amongst our nationwide dealer network.”

Replacing the existing logo, which has been in use since 1994, the fresh design sees the K, I and A joined in a "rhythmical, unbroken line [that] conveys Kia's commitment to bringing moments of inspiration".

The new logo was also accompanied by a refreshed global slogan, "Movement that Inspires", replacing "The Power to Surprise" tagline that's been in use since 2005.

The new logo has unbroken lines to represent Kia’s “commitment to bringing moments of inspiration".

Additionally, the company has changed its corporate name from 'Kia Motors' to simply 'Kia', allowing it to move away from a more traditional business model and expand into "new and emerging business areas by creating innovative mobility products and services to improve customers’ daily lives".

In other product news, there has been a model update on the Kia New Zealand website.

“There has been an overwhelming response to Kia Sportage, so much so that we are unlikely to meet demand,” said McDonald.

“Therefore, in order to manage customer expectations, we have taken the unprecedented step of removing it from our website until the all-new model arrives in 2022.”

Year-to-date, there have been 1176 Sportages sold in New Zealand, with the Sportage the second most popular passenger vehicle in 2020 with 2907 registrations, just behind Toyota’s RAV4.

The Sportage has been so popular with Kiwis that Kia NZ can not meet demand.