Korean auto giant, Kia Motors Corporation, has been listed among the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands,’ in the 2012 study recently released by the world’s largest brand consultancy agency, Interbrand.

With a remarkable increase in brand value currently estimated at $4.1 billion, Kia Motors was ranked  87th on the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’ list; a 50 percent  increase from last year’s estimated brand value which,  in fact,  exceeds the average automotive brand value growth rate of 11 percent.

According to a statement made available to THISDAY in Lagos, the 2012 edition of Interbrand’s annual ‘Best Global Brands’ study was executed through a comprehensive brand performance analysis using best practice research methodology by expert analysts.

“The study measures a corporation’s financial performance in terms of the raw financial return to investors; role that a brand plays in the actual purchase decision; and brand strength, which is the ability of a brand to secure the delivery of expected future earnings.

“The strong increase in Kia’s brand value closely mirrors the company’s recent surge in global sales, which have posted three consecutive double-digit year-or-year gains to cement Kia’s position as the world’s fastest growing major automotive brand. Over this three year period (2008-2011), Kia’s annual global sales have grown by 81 percent to nearly 2.5 million units,” the statement explained.

Reacting to the development, Chief Commercial Officer, Dana Motors Limited, Mr. Sandeep Malhotra, said “Entering the ‘Top 100 Best Global Brands’ validates Kia’s commitment to continuously provide exciting and inspiring brand experiences. And it’s amazing to see what we can accomplish by staying true to who we are – a young and dynamic challenger that goes beyond expectations.”

Marketing manager of Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Adejumo, said “We are excited to be in the top 100 globally and this leadership position is also evident in Nigeria as well. Our brands are award winners both locally and internationally and we are honoured and inspired to do even more for our customers.”