Kia Certified

BODY SHOP

“Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.”

Victor Hugo

Originally founded in 1944 under the name Kyungsung Precision Industry, present-day Kia Motors has made its mark in the automobile manufacturing industry as a producer of exquisitely precision-engineered and stylishly designed cars for markets worldwide. According to renowned car designer Peter Schreyer (and Kia’s chief design officer since 2006), “A car needs a face, and I think the new Kia face is strong and distinctive. Visibility is vital, and that face should immediately allow you to identify a Kia even from a distance.”

It is this dedication to style and excellence in engineering that places Kia-made cars consistently at the top of product quality surveys, including recognition as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Brands (according to Interbrand global consultancy).

A: Since Kia Motors is a Korean car company, it makes sense that the name is based on the Korean language. According to the company, the word “Kia” derives from the Korean characters ‘ki’ (“to come out”) and ‘a’ (which stands for “East Asia”). Thus, the name roughly translates as: “To come out of the east.”

A: Not really. You could say the two car companies own a piece of each other. Following its bankruptcy in 1997, Kia came to an agreement with Hyundai to exchange ownership stakes. While Hyundai Motor Company at the present time owns about one third of Kia Motor Corporation, Kia itself also retains ownership in over 20 different Hyundai subsidiaries.

A: While it’s true that many of the comparable models of each car maker share the same or similar body structure, Kia and Hyundai do still operate independently; and each has a separate branding strategy, marketing philosophy, and design workshop. Although the two companies are technically partners, they function as competitors, but target different sectors of the automotive market.

A: The difference boils down to engineering, design, and demographics. The affordability and sportier look of Kia cars is aimed at younger drivers, while the curvy lines and luxurious interiors of many of the more expensive Hyundai cars are meant to appeal to older, more affluent buyers who still desire quality and value for their money. Another big difference is found in the car makers’ respective console systems. Hyundai’s Blue Link provides owners with automatic collision notification, enhanced roadside assistance, monthly maintenance alerts, and other features; whereas Kia’s voice-activated media controller (or UVO, short for “Your Voice”) interfaces with the vehicle’s radio, CD player, built-in digital jukebox, and the owner’s Bluetooth-enabled phone.

A: No. Although comparable Kia and Hyundai car models may share the same or similar underlying structure, individual components are engineered specifically for each make of car. Kia OEM replacement car parts are not interchangeable with comparable Hyundai parts; and each requires a different knowledge and skill set to repair them properly. Fortunately, the auto repair technicians at Keri Coach Works are certified to repair both Kia and Hyundai vehicles! So whichever type of vehicle you own, we’ve got you covered.

But even the best brand, no matter how precise in handling or beautiful in design, is subject to the same vagaries of the road as any other car, from weather to driver error to just plain old bad luck. The likelihood is that you will drive your Kia without incident for the life of the car. Once it is involved in a collision, however, all that precision and design goes out the window, and you are left to wonder: What now?

The only correct answer to that question is: Bring it to a Kia Recognized Collision Repair Center — one like Keri Coach Works—for proper repair by a local, independent, and certified body shop.

Keri Coach takes pride in the fact that fewer than 5% of body shops across the U.S.A. are qualified for this certification! As a member in good standing of this exclusive network of Kia-certified body repair facilities, Keri Coach Works strives every day to earn the trust of Kia car owners whose vehicles have been damaged in road accidents or by other causes. In order to adhere to the rigorous auto body repair standards set forth by the company, our technicians undergo hours of Kia-specific training.

The company’s certification program ensures that the collision repair provider has the authorized tools, equipment, training, and facility resources required to repair Kia vehicles to OEM specifications while maintaining the vehicle’s fit, finish, durability, functionality, and safety.

This means that:

  • the vehicle’s original structural integrity and driver safety features are restored to their original condition;
  • your car is returned to you with a like-new appearance, from perfect-match paint finish to precise, factory-spec fit of parts; and
  • certified repair maintains the vehicle’s resale and trade-in dollar value.

In addition, because Keri Coach is part of the Kia Recognized Collision Repair Network and uses only Kia OEM replacement parts, applicable manufacturer and extended warranties on the vehicle remain intact.

So in the event of a collision or other damage to your Kia automobile, rest assured you are in good hands. The Kia Recognized Collision Repair Center plaque that we proudly display at our body shop in Westbury, New York, assures Kia car owners that bringing your car to Keri Coach Works for repair is one of the best life-decisions you can make.