New leadership at Kia France

Nicolas Janin will take on new roles starting November 1, 2026, leading an initiative at Kia France aimed at improving the customer experience. This initiative is part of a newly created entity that brings together several functions focused on customer relationships and dealer training.

Consolidating customer functions

The new entity combines customer relationship management, unified data processing, and development and training cells for the dealership network. Its goal is to strengthen the local impact of dealerships and ensure they have the skills needed to enhance customer interactions.

Strategic move for Kia France

Janin described the initiative as a strategic step in the evolution of the Kia brand in France. The structure is already in place in other markets, and after a strong product plan in recent years, Kia is now focused on refining its customer engagement strategies.

Leveraging existing resources

While resources for customer service and marketing already exist across various departments, the challenge is to create synergies and combine these strengths to improve interactions, databases, and the overall service experience. Janin expressed optimism about using artificial intelligence to boost productivity and customer insights.

Win-win for dealerships

Dealerships are expected to benefit from a collaborative partnership, handling local customer contact while receiving support from the brand in terms of values, reputation, and product updates. The used car market is a key focus, with plans to integrate used car buyers into the brand's customer base on equal terms.

Expanding financing and warranty options

Concrete plans include new financing solutions and warranty extensions. Studies show strong battery durability, and leasing options for used cars are being developed, similar to those for new vehicles. The goal is to reach more than 40,000 vehicle registrations in 2026.

Growing order portfolio

Janin noted that the number of vehicle orders has nearly quadrupled, from about 1,500 to 1,600 units in 2025 to more than 7,000 vehicles today. The target for the end of 2026 remains more than 40,000 registrations, depending on timely factory deliveries.

Countering Chinese competitors

In response to the strong showing of Chinese manufacturers at the Paris Motor Show, Janin highlighted Kia’s advantages, including a long-standing dealer network, a need to retain existing customers, competitive leasing options, and the support of the Hyundai group’s industrial strategy.