Cuando Kia lanzó el sedán de lujo insignia K900 en el Salón del Automóvil de Detroit en enero, el vicepresidente de Kia, Lee Hyoung-keun, depositó grandes esperanzas en el coche para el mercado estadounidense.
Desafortunadamente, desde su lanzamiento en marzo, las ventas del coche han tenido dificultades. Durante los primeros cuatro meses en el mercado, solo se vendieron 200 Kia K900 al mes.
En julio y agosto, las ventas cayeron aún más, a entre 100 y 130 unidades al mes, antes de desplomarse a entre 50 y 60 en septiembre y octubre. Las lentas ventas se deben en parte a la débil imagen de marca en comparación con sus rivales en el mercado estadounidense, como el Mercedes-Benz Clase S, el Audi A8, el BMW Serie 7 y el Jaguar XJ.
El K900 es un sedán suficientemente lujoso, bien equipado y de alta gama, pero carece del prestigio necesario para impresionar a los clientes adinerados. Ahora Kia ha intentado darle la vuelta a la situación contratando a la estrella de la NBA LeBron James para promocionar el sedán.
Además, recientemente Kia lanzó en el mercado nacional una nueva versión del K9 con el mismo motor V8 de 5.0 litros utilizado en el modelo para EE.UU., y también intentó actualizar el buque insignia para lograr un diseño más distintivo.
Comentarios
10 comentariosMucho más barato inlcusive que todos sus rivales directos y hermano Hyundai.
No Genesis sedan equivalent to set the plate (at least not yet), no AWD (until next generation) and no V6 model yet (don't know what the hold-up is on that one).
The hold up on the AWD for the 8 cyl Genesis, if I recall correctly, has to do with the increased weight and synchronizing the transmission gearing to work with the AWD system. If they can resolve those challenges without compromising the cars excellent ride and handling , maybe we might see an 8cyl AWD model by Spring of '15.
If Kia's marketing of the K900 is working so well(?) then explain why this car is not selling?
Most of the reviews I've read on it have been of the "yes, but" variety. Yes, it's got standard leather, but the quality of the leather falls short when compared to Lexus or BMW. Yes, it rides nice, BUT the handling leaves something to be desired. Yes, the workmanship is decent BUT its competitors have excellent fit and finish...I can do this all day.
Wow! Such flatulence and insolence based on a question that I asked you was to explain why Kia's luxury car, the K900, is failing to make any headway in the premium U.S. car market. I will excuse you if you don't know the answer because aside from attacking and vilifying me, you failed to answer the question. However, had you read my "ramblings" you would have seen my recommendations (not that you or Kia would care) of how Kia could possibly turn things around for this failing product.
What an amusing boy you are, full of rambling nonsense, dishonesty, ignorance, & arrogance. Amusing indeed.
Your belligerence and belittling words of ugliness highlight an under current of intense anger and bitterness. Are you a failed product manager whose career careened out of control and ended up in the toilet? Is that why you've targeted my comments for attack? There is always a ring of irony when someone throws stones. It seems that rather than discuss the K900 you want to project your frustrations of failure. Well they are yours not mine.
It is quite a laughter inducing experience to deal with an ignorant & naive child with a one-track mind who blindly thinks that the lack of success of a product automatically means 'proof of failure' in 'marketing' employed for that product...
J.R. you don't know me and I don't know you but I can see that you have very strong feelings about this car? and Kia? You seem so consumed with anger and hostility. Perhaps you are suffering from hurt feelings? I have never criticized you or attacked any of what you posted so why do you insist on attacking me?