The South Korean company Kia is actively preparing the ground for a possible return to the Russian market. A key element of this strategy could be the launch of its own plant.
According to Rospatent data, in April, Kia registered at least six new trademarks in Russia, one of which is directly related to the design and construction of automobile production facilities.
The registration of a trademark allowing the design of car factories and industrial enterprises suggests that Kia is considering the possibility of creating a new production base or reviving the former capacities frozen after the suspension of official activities. This could be an important step against the backdrop of the departure of a number of competitors and the continued high demand for cars among Russian consumers.
In addition to this, Kia has registered trademarks in other key areas. For class 12 — cars, spare parts and accessories — Kia Soul, Kia Telluride and Kia Carnival models were registered. Patents were also obtained for class 4 (technical oils and lubricants), class 35 (retail and wholesale trade), and class 42, which includes services in the field of engineering and design.
Of particular note is the approval of a trademark for the Kia Connect service — a digital platform that combines remote car control, diagnostics, multimedia and communication with dealers. This confirms that the company intends not only to produce and sell cars, but also to develop modern digital service ecosystems in Russia.
At the end of 2022, the company sold its business in Russia, including a plant in St. Petersburg.
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