Link Copiedcheck_circle
International

PSA: It's KIA, not 'KN Car'

Jesica Sendai

Share via


Remember when Kia decided to elevate the brand into the twenty-first century by redesigning a fresher and modern look for its logo? Not only we’ll be saying goodbye to the old circular emblem but it seems like the new logo has put some people in confusion especially if there is a set of data to support the statement.

The South Korean car behemoth probably had a discussion with its team when it comes to branding and whatnot yet overlooked that good logos are not just about simplicity but also recognition. More on that follows when a Twitter user has revealed approximately 30,000 people googled ‘’KN’’ instead of ‘’Kia’’ on the search engine.


Basically, in terms of overall searches, 30,000 is a small portion of perplexed people because, on average, simply the word KIA generates over 1.83 million results in a month according to Tire Meets Road.

Kia also shared on YouTube featuring 303 firework-firing drones to adorn the sky with its new emblem in a record-breaking dazzling display extravaganza in South Korea. The logo debut does have a significant improvement over the old logo as notably, it simply breaks up the -shape in the emblem so that it reads as two distinct, recognised glyphs.


However, with all the mayhem, Kerrigan Advisors, a sell-side consulting firm even rates both Hyundai and KIA as improving in buyer demand, indicating that, despite the logo confusion, the demand for Kia vehicles remains increasing with lots of value.

The KIA symbol is made of silver metal which the silver tone adds volume and makes it appear sleeker. Because of the simplicity of its design and lines, the writer did appreciate their new logo when it initially debuted.


A leaner, racier number that still loses the crossbar off the 'A' but carries everything off in a much more stylized fashion. But, of course, we recognised it was the Kia insignia - something that plainly many other drivers do not.


Gallery

Tagged:

Kia
Kia Europe
KIA Carnival
Share This Article

Written By

Jesica Sendai

from 9 to 5 grinder to 'racing' her way in the automotive industry through editorial work.

Share via

Related News

International
2026 Kia Niro Facelift Unveiled with EV9-Inspired Looks

2026 Kia Niro Facelift Unveiled with EV9-Inspired Looks

The second-gen Kia Niro crossover has been given a facelift, featuring EV9-inspired looks and equipment upgrades.

21-01-2026
EV
Kia EV2 Breaks Cover as Brand’s New Entry-Level EV Crossover

Kia EV2 Breaks Cover as Brand’s New Entry-Level EV Crossover

The all-new Kia EV2 breaks cover at the Brussels Motor Show as the brand’s new entry-level EV crossover.

12-01-2026
Auto News
Fourth-Gen Kia Carnival Facelift Teased –  Launching Soon?

Fourth-Gen Kia Carnival Facelift Teased – Launching Soon?

Kia Malaysia has just dropped a teaser image showcasing the facelifted fourth-gen Carnival MPV. Launching soon?

08-01-2026
International
Second-Gen Kia Seltos Bows In – Bigger, More Aggressive, Two ICE Options

Second-Gen Kia Seltos Bows In – Bigger, More Aggressive, Two ICE Options

The all-new, second-gen Kia Seltos bows in with new looks, a larger size, and two powertrain options.

12-12-2025
Auto News
EV9, Carnival & Sportage Set To Kick-Start Local Kia Brand Revival

EV9, Carnival & Sportage Set To Kick-Start Local Kia Brand Revival

Newly formed Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) principal-led entity set to reboot brand locally with EV9, Carnival and Sportage models first.

11-12-2025
International
Kia Vision Meta Turismo Unveiled as a Sporty Four-Door GT Concept

Kia Vision Meta Turismo Unveiled as a Sporty Four-Door GT Concept

Kia celebrates their 80th anniversary by unveiling a radical four-door GT concept known as the Vision Meta Turismo.

05-12-2025
International
Mysterious Kia Fastback Concept Teased as the Stinger’s Successor

Mysterious Kia Fastback Concept Teased as the Stinger’s Successor

Kia’s new mysterious fastback concept was teased as a potential successor to the Stinger sports sedan.

04-12-2025
Auto News
Kia Sales Malaysia Announced As New Brand Principals

Kia Sales Malaysia Announced As New Brand Principals

Kia Sales Malaysia announced as brand principals, takes over from distributors BAuto (Dinamikjaya Motors).

28-11-2025

Latest News

International
Chinese Carmakers Still Lag Global Leaders - GWM Chairman

Chinese Carmakers Still Lag Global Leaders - GWM Chairman

GWM’s chairman says Chinese automakers must focus on quality and long-term competitiveness despite rising exports and sales growth.

20-02-2026
International
2026 Audi RS5 Unveiled as Brand’s First High-Performance PHEV

2026 Audi RS5 Unveiled as Brand’s First High-Performance PHEV

The all-new Audi RS5 breaks cover as the brand's first high-performance plug-in hybrid model with up to 630 hp.

20-02-2026
International
2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Debuts in Japan with Special GR Sport Version

2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Debuts in Japan with Special GR Sport Version

Toyota has completed the sixth-gen RAV4 lineup in Japan by debuting the PHEV version along with the GR Sport variant.

20-02-2026
International
BMW M Plans to Launch 30 New Models by 2030 – Report

BMW M Plans to Launch 30 New Models by 2030 – Report

BMW’s M division is going into full assault mode by planning to launch 30 new models by the end of this decade.

19-02-2026
International
China Plans to Mandate Physical Controls in Cars, Bans Yoke Steering Wheel

China Plans to Mandate Physical Controls in Cars, Bans Yoke Steering Wheel

The Chinese government is planning to require physical controls for key functions in cars while banning yoke steering wheels.

16-02-2026
International
BMW Alpina Unveils New Logo, Becomes Luxury Performance Sub-Brand

BMW Alpina Unveils New Logo, Becomes Luxury Performance Sub-Brand

BMW has unveiled a new logo for the Alpina brand, positioning it as the group's new luxury performance marque.

13-02-2026
International
Honda Vezel/HR-V Gains Sporty Mugen Upgrade Kit in Japan

Honda Vezel/HR-V Gains Sporty Mugen Upgrade Kit in Japan

Mugen has introduced a new upgrade kit for the Honda Vezel/HR-V in Japan, featuring two distinct bodykits.

12-02-2026
International
China to Release Solid-State Battery Standard in July 2026

China to Release Solid-State Battery Standard in July 2026

China will release a national standard defining solid-state EV batteries ahead of commercial rollout in July 2026.