The Cool Factor: How A Rebrand Journey Reshaped Kia

Special Guest - Eric Watson

From their cool Robo Dog Super Bowl commercial to big hits in vehicle rollouts, Kia is riding an incredible wave of momentum and innovation. Its branding journey has shaped the look and feel of its products and dealerships as well as their talent. From a mobility transformation and commitment to remain a leader in the EV space, its plans for the future are bringing new buyers and profitability to the brand.

In this episode of The Walk Around, Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales Operations for Kia North America, shares his insights into industry trends like consolidation (good or bad?), the future for EVs, and the million-dollar question: will inventory ever go back to normal?

Catch the full episode for answers to questions like:

How has Kia’s “cool” brand strategy translated into dealer profits?
Is a direct-to-consumer model in Kia’s future?
What does an ideal inventory supply level look like for the future of the industry?
Is customer experience a differentiator for dealers now that they can’t rely on inventory?
From an OEM perspective, what is your view on consolidations? Is it healthy for the industry?
How has Kia anticipated consumer expectations for EVs?
Is there technology on the horizon to help overcome EV obstacles?

For more about Eric, visit his LinkedIn profile