Kia Corporation (Kia) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (Bermaz), have announced on the 28th of November, they have mutually concluded their strategic partnership after four years. Bermaz, through its subsidiary, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, was previously the sole distributor of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles and spare parts for the brand in Malaysia. Now, with the signing of the agreement by Kia and Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the return of operations to Kia marks a new beginning in this next chapter of growth for the Korean brand in Malaysia.
Kia will be a direct principal-led brand in Malaysia effective 1 January 2026. This strategic move places Kia in the driver’s seat to fully lead the brand’s presence, marketing, sales, customer experience and training across Malaysia. The transition also lends a multiplier effect beyond Malaysian borders as it sets the tone for Kia’s future growth in the ASEAN region. In short, Kia, managed by Kia, here in Malaysia.
“Kia is excited to reinvigorate our brand presence in Malaysia. We believe our innovation- and customer-centric strategy will enhance how fans experience the brand as we continue to support the growth of Malaysia’s economy and automotive industry. We are here to stay and, aligned to our ‘Movement That Inspires’ brand vision, we are dedicated to building a future that inspires new experiences and sustainable mobility,” said Kia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Ki Seok Ahn.
Among the milestones the automotive industry and fans of the brand can anticipate from the new principal-led move include enhancements to the Kia dealer network, investments in aftersales service, and new model launches.
Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd will be led by Hyung Ho Kim as its President and CEO effective January 2026, and Emily Lek, as Managing Director - right and left respectively in the main photo above.
Transitioning from Bermaz to Kia Malaysia
Throughout the transition period, Kia customers are assured of continued peace of mind in terms of after-sales care at all authorised Kia Service Centres across the network. Existing bookings for vehicles made before 30 November will continue to be fulfilled. Meanwhile, new bookings will temporarily be paused from 1st to 31st December 2025 to make way for the transition to principal-led operations. Customers can look forward to making bookings for new vehicles beginning January 2026.
“We thank Bermaz Group for their dedication to the Kia brand over the past four years and the seamless handover during this transition period. The return of Kia operations to a principal-led model is timely as the market remains hungry for new experiences and value from automotive brands. We are grateful to our loyal fans for staying with us through the years and look forward to curating an inspiring ownership experience that proves why a Kia is designed to meet the unique lifestyle needs of both existing and new fans alike,” said Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim.
To re-engage the market and fans, Kia will embark on a new brand campaign, as the leading Korean marque looks to inspire confidence by answering a simple question, ‘Why a Kia? (‘Kenapa Pilih Kia?’)
For sales and servicing inquiries or immediate 24-hour roadside assistance, contact Kia Malaysia's Customer Support at 1300 88 0133 or email customersupport@kia-my.com.
