Kia Niro History and Evolution

Kia and Niro are Korean words. The “ki’ means “to rise,” and “a” translates Asia. The company mentioned that Kia is based on Sino-Korean characters, which literally translates as “To Rise from East Asia.” Niro is a contraction of two words: Near Zero. Kia used the “Ne” and “Ro” to create the unique name for this ride. It’s given this name because of its ability to create cleaner emissions and its hybrid capabilities. Other Niro models allow you to plug into DC fast charging stations. While some of the Niro vehicles use gas engines in addition to electric motors, there’s an all-electric iteration of the Kia Niro. The EV version of the Niro was released in 2021 as the 2022 Kia Niro.

Kia started building the Niro in 2016 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, a South Korean manufacturing plant. The first model year was the 2017 Kia Niro, which had hybrid and electric performance specifications. This ride was constructed to be bigger than the Kia Stonic and smaller than the Sportage. Kia has maintained this design since 2016 and continues to produce the Niro model. Sang-Hun Ahn was the original design engineer for the Niro, but Jae-Hyeok Ho structured the look for the Niro EV. In the middle of Spring 2016, Kia began releasing the Niro across Asia. By 2017 and 2018, the United Kingdom and the United States began selling the Kia Niro to motorists as well.

Kia started in 1944 and has served motorists around the world for 78 years. The Kia Corporation is the oldest manufacturer in South Korea. It produces more than 1 million automobiles every year and has facilities in eight countries. This company also has a foothold in Europe and built a sales organization called Kia Europe. Kia has also been a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company since 1998. However, Kia maintains its independence in the automotive world, producing unique vehicles like the Niro. And thanks to technological advancement, Kia rides are becoming more fuel efficient and versatile each year. In July 2022, Kia announced that it earned $15.1 billion from vehicle sales. With more innovative automobiles on the way, this number will likely be the same or higher next year. Did you enjoy the fun facts about the Kia Niro's history and evolution? If you have any more questions about this crossover SUV, contact the Ken Ganley Kia New Port Richey team today. Send your questions to our website to get the latest news.