Kia considers even longer warranty as seven year program approaches seven year milestone

Kia says its industry-first seven-year warranty has been key to its success, and is now considering even longer coverage.

Kia Australia is considering extending its warranty period beyond seven years.

Since launching Australia's first seven-year warranty in October 2014, other brands have followed suit.

Now Kia is thinking about taking the peace-of-mind coverage even further.

When asked about a longer warranty, the boss of Kia Australia, Damien Meredith, said it might not happen right away but it is under consideration.

"We're always thinking about it, (but) probably a commercially bad idea to launch it alongside launching a new logo and branding," Mr Meredith told media at the launch for the updated Kia Cerato this week.

"If we did it, it would be at a time that would benefit us."

Kia's industry-first seven-warranty has moved from top spot to the third most important reason people buy its cars, according to internal surveys.

"Warranty was the number one reason why customers purchased a Kia," said Kia Australia marketing manager, Dean Norbiato. "However, our latest surveys have seen it fall to third place, behind design and manufacturer."

Honda, Mitsubishi, and the now-defunct Holden brand have previously offered temporary seven-year warranties, whereas Chinese brands GWM, MG, and Haval and South Korea's SsangYong are currently offering permanent seven year customer protection programs.

Mitsubishi currently offers a 10 year/200,000km warranty on the condition the vehicle is serviced within its dealer network through the entire warranty period.

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