Since declaring design management as a core driver of the company's future growth and the hiring of President & Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer in 2007, Kia Motors Corporation's brand value has skyrocketed by 480% from US$929 million to US$5.4 billion, according to Interbrand's exclusive list of 100 'Best Global Brands 2014' which was released today. This rise in brand value far outpaces the average growth rate over the same period of all 11 other automakers on this year's list.

Kia first entered Interbrand's annual 100 'Best Global Brands' rankings in 2012, coming in 87th place with brand value of US$4.1 billion, and subsequently rose four spots to 83rd position in the 2013 study following a 15% increase in brand value to US$4.7 billion. During the past year, Kia's brand value increased by a further 15% to US$5.4 billion, elevating the Korean automaker nine places to 74th position. Kia's increase in brand value according to this year's study is more than double that of the top 100 companies' average brand value growth rate of 7%.