New Kia Logo Seen In Trademark Applications

The new logo may not necessarily replace the current Kia badge

• New trademark applications from Korean carmaker show new logo design.

• Kia Motors India spokesperson says ‘nothing has been decided regarding a renewed CI.’

• New logo has Kia’s letters in bold font, connected and slanted towards the right.

• Current logo features Kia letters to be disconnected but contained in an oval of the brand’s shade of red.

• New logo design seen in trademark applications may surface as brand identity for other Kia services.

New trademark applications from Kia have recently come to light, showcasing a new brand design. It is an evolution of the Korean carmaker’s logo to represent its progress and future plans, seen here in the brand’s iconic shade of red as well as in black.

The new design in the trademark application shows the brand’s letters to be connected wherein the sides of the ‘K’ and ‘A’ that are linked to the letter ‘I’ seem to be leaning to the right. In comparison, the current Kia logo has unconnected, upright lettering, encased in an oval of the same colour.

When asked for a comment, a Kia Motors India spokesperson said, “Kia has always been exploring various ways to enhance its brand image, but currently, nothing has been decided regarding a renewed CI (corporate identity).” 

It seems the trademark is unlikely to become the new badge for car models, but it could be used for other Kia products, concept cars and services in the future. A very similar if not same Kia logo design was seen on the Futuron and Imagine concepts pictured below.

Kia only recently celebrated the completion and grand opening of its production facility in India. The carmaker has already become the fourth largest manufacturer in the Indian automotive industry since the launch of its first and only product in India so far - the Seltos SUV. Kia has plans to launch two new models in 2020: the Carnival premium MPV and a sub-4m SUV codenamed QYI. For now, it seems Kia’s production cars will adorn the already familiar logo.

Also read: Volkswagen Reveals New Logo & Branding At Frankfurt Motor Show 2019