Kia word derives from the Korean words meaning "to emerge in the world of Asia."
The company headquartered based in Seoul, the company is partly owned by the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. From August 21, 2009, Hyoung-Keun (Hank) Lee directs the company's world operations from its headquarters in Seoul. North American and European arms are operated by Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Europe, respectively.
Since 2005, Kia has focused on the European market and has identified the design as their "main engine of future growth," leading to the hiring of Peter Schreyer in 2006 as Chief Design Officer and the subsequent creation of a new corporate grille known as the 'Tigre Nose. "