Comments on: Kia opens second plant in China

By: ChrisJ

ChrisJ — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:51:12 +0000

Kia is steadily making and offering better, improved cars. They are building new plants around the world to cope with increasing global demands. They have the determination and resource to became a top carmaker. Their management is becoming more competent by dealing with big car companies. Are these the signs that Kia is about to fail? I strongly doubt about it. Also, if Kia fails, there would be less competition for big car companies. What is good about that? Monopoly only makes people arrogant and less likely to listen to evolving customer demands.

By: Bavarian Missile

Bavarian Missile — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:55:14 +0000

Kia has always reminded me of that cheap furniture you buy….you know you justify not looking after it cause its crap and cheap and will end up on the verge in a few years!

By: Bavarian Missile

Bavarian Missile — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:53:40 +0000

Ha think!! Its junk!!And now they want to make it where more junk is made! Korea would have been better quality control now they will have to start again!

By: ChrisJ

ChrisJ — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:34:46 +0000

Kia’s case is another example of judging cars by ‘perception’, rather than facts. Past does not represent now and future. Kia, just like any other car makers which don’t have long history and are still in their developing phase, has been continuously making efforts to improve their products and trying to match the highest standards. Just take a look at the latest Kia Sportage diesel. Their efforts to make better, more affordable cars deserve public supports and encouragements. Why do we still criticize them so harshly? Why can we just think positively and look forward?

By: Pat E

Pat E — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:38:48 +0000

of course there are exceptions to the rule, i am only speaking from experience with one dealer, i hope they improve and become equal to other manufacturers – it will make the roads a safer place!

By: Martin

Martin — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:53:45 +0000

I wouldn’t really call them throw away cars (well in my experience anyway) my dad still uses his 2001 Kia Shuma to drive to work everyday since it was bought basically and have had no problems what so ever and for a couple of years it wasnt even garaged, everything still works as it did the day he bought it. The only maintenance it gets it regular servicing.

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:18:58 +0000

I think there is another hidden factor. The foreign car companies start investing a lot in China, not just because of its market and low manufacturing cost, The quality and design of the local Chinese car makers are also improving dramatically, which puts direct pressure on foreign car companies. As a result, foreign car companies have to invest more, bring up new technologies, expertise and new models to China to gain advantages over local Chinese carmakers in the very competitive Chinese market. China’s carmakers are lucky to have the opportunity to learn new technologies and management skills from so many foreign car companies operating in China now. Let’s just hope the Chinese carmakers can take the opportunity to develop and improve its own overall design and quality. Otherwise, they will be blamed all the time for ‘copying’.

By: bubba ganush

bubba ganush — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:36:39 +0000

Reinforcing what PAT E was saying kia is part of the throw away car market. the maximum amount of time someone owns a vehicle for is 7 years but the majority of the time it is 4 years.

You look at how things are now in the 80s most people brought a ex demo or whatever and drove it to the ground now people upgrade all the time.

as long as consumer culture is the latest and greatest, having to pay next to nothing for it and NOW NOW NOW! things like build quality will be a thing of the past. look at mobile phones, TVs etc

i hate the things but admitably and unfortunatley this is where the market is going.

By: alec

alec — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:45:19 +0000

Lets just point out that ‘Multi-nationals’ aren’t going to China because the Chinese build a good car, or even an improving car.
They go to China for the Cheap labour and overall lower manufacturing costs. AND because the chinese market is growing at such a rate that they would be CRAZY not to.
Cars that are being built in China by the ‘Multi-nationals’ will no boubt have higher Quality/Safety and Design Standards than that of the ‘Chinese’ Brands, however that is only because the multinationals bring the industry experience with them.

By: Casey

Casey — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:58:20 +0000

I think people need to realise that not everyone can afford a Japanese or European built car, and as such KIA fills the void for those buyers.

They’re a good car FOR THE MONEY and for people requiring basic transport suited to their needs KIA certainly does the job with little fuss.

Sure people with more in depth car knowledge won’t be interested, myself included, but when you consider the whole scenario KIA does make sense.