Kia Motors Corporation is investing heavily in research and development to further reduce its environmental impact, notably by improving manufacturing processes and increasing innovation in vehicle technologies.

According to the corporation's new sustainability report, Kia invested US$2.25 billion* – 6% of its total sales revenue – in research and development and in its production facilities in 2011. The investment meant that Kia is 44% more eco-efficient than in 2004, when it began measuring its environmental impact.