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What car company owns Stinger?

The Stinger is a model produced by Kia Motors, which sits under the Hyundai Motor Group; Hyundai Motor Company is the parent entity.


In broader terms, the Stinger is Kia’s performance sedan, developed and sold by Kia as part of a corporate family owned and managed by Hyundai Motor Group. This arrangement shapes engineering, platform sharing, and global strategy for the model and its siblings across the group.


How the corporate line unfolds


Before examining the ownership details, here is a concise rundown of the key relationships involved with the Stinger.



  • The Stinger is manufactured by Kia Motors Corporation, the South Korean brand behind the model.

  • Hyundai Motor Group is the parent conglomerate that owns Kia and Hyundai and oversees the broader brand family.

  • Hyundai Motor Company is the largest shareholder and serves as the controlling entity within the group, guiding shared platforms and technology.

  • Kia operates as a distinct brand within Hyundai Motor Group, with the Stinger as part of its performance sedan lineup.


Together, these relationships explain why the Stinger bears Kia branding while benefiting from Hyundai Motor Group engineering, platform sharing, and global support networks.


Context and implications


The ownership setup matters less to most consumers than the access to a unified service network and shared technology across Hyundai's brands. For the Stinger, that means efficient parts supply, consistent warranty coverage, and cross-brand technological advances within the group.


Historical note


Hyundai and Kia have long operated under a common corporate umbrella, evolving from mutual suppliers to a unified group that coordinates research, development, and manufacturing globally. The Stinger is a product of that integrated approach.


Bottom line: The owner of the Stinger is Hyundai Motor Group, via Kia Motors; Hyundai Motor Company is the key parent entity.


Summary: The Stinger is Kia’s model within the Hyundai Motor Group, owned by Hyundai Motor Company as the parent.

How much does a Kia Stinger cost?


The price of the 2023 Kia Stinger starts at $37,865 and goes up to $54,065 depending on the trim and options. The right way to order the Stinger is with the peppy 368-hp twin-turbo V-6.



Is a Kia Stinger faster than a BMW?


While the M3 edges out the Stinger in pure power, the Kia isn't far behind — especially considering its price tag. In real-world testing, the difference in acceleration feels surprisingly slim.



Why did Kia discontinue the Stinger?


Kia discontinued the Stinger due to a combination of poor sales, a shift in the market toward SUVs and electric vehicles, and Kia's strategic focus on its new electrified performance models. Declining demand meant the Stinger was not a profitable model, especially compared to more popular SUVs, and the company prioritized investing in its EV lineup instead.
 

  • Sluggish sales: The Stinger consistently underperformed in terms of sales figures, even when compared to other slow-selling sports cars, accounting for a small fraction of total Kia sales in the U.S. 
  • Market shift: The automotive market was increasingly moving away from sedans toward SUVs, making it difficult for a sports sedan like the Stinger to find a large customer base. 
  • Electrification strategy: Kia is undergoing a major shift to electric vehicles and has refocused its resources and development on its new electrified "GT" performance lineup, such as the EV6 GT. The Stinger was a victim of this transition, as the company now offers performance-oriented EVs to fill that niche. 
  • Brand perception: Despite its performance, some consumers were still hesitant to buy a premium sports car from a brand they associated with being a value-oriented manufacturer. 



What replaced the Kia Stinger?


The Kia Stinger is being replaced by an all-new electric sedan, codenamed GT1, which is expected to launch in 2026 and is anticipated to be named the Kia EV8. While some sources have pointed to the current Kia EV6 GT as a spiritual successor in terms of performance, it is not the direct replacement for the Stinger sedan.
 
This video explains the Kia EV8 electric Stinger replacement: 1mHalo otoYouTube · Feb 15, 2024

  • Replacement model: The official successor will be a high-performance electric sedan, codenamed GT1 and expected to be named Kia EV8. 
  • Production timeline: The new model is slated to begin production in 2026. 
  • Performance: It is expected to feature a powerful electric powertrain, with leaks suggesting it will produce up to 603 horsepower and have a range of around 500 miles. 
  • Platform: The GT1 will be built on Kia's new eM platform, which is a dedicated electric vehicle platform that will underpin future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models. 
  • "Spiritual successor": While not a direct replacement for the sedan, the high-performance EV6 GT is often cited as a spiritual successor to the Stinger GT in terms of providing a thrilling driving experience. 

This video discusses the performance of the Kia Stinger and its replacement: 1mCreatch & CarsYouTube · Feb 23, 2024


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.