Kia Corporation (Kia) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (Bermaz) 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 Kia in Malaysia.
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 marquee in Malaysia, with the newly-created Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Kia will commence its principal-led model, mirroring Hyundai, in Malaysia starting 1-January 2026. This means that Kia is in full control to lead the brand’s presence, marketing, sales, customer experience, and training across the country. Malaysia is also set to be the regional hub for the ASEAN region.
The new principal-led model would also mean enhancements to the Kia dealer network, investment in aftersales services, and new model launches.
The newly-formed 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.
Kia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Ki Seok Ahn said, “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 futurethat inspires new experiences and sustainable mobility.”
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Seamless peace of mind for customers
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 1- to 31-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.
Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim said, “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.”
Kia will be launching a new brand campaign title “Why a Kia?” (“Kenapa Pilih Kia?”) to re-engage the market and fans.
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. The new Kia Malaysia website will be available here.