The Horki logo resembles a beautiful metal flower, full of harmony and modern technical beauty. The emblem offers the driver control and the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and wonders of electronics.
Horki: Brand overview
Horki is a sub-brand launched in 2019 under the umbrella of Kia Motors Corporation and designed specifically for Chinese consumers. It exists solely to serve the local Chinese market, offering vehicles designed and manufactured in China. Although the company’s operations are limited to China, Horki benefits from the extensive resources and expertise of its parent company, Kia.
Horki’s lineup includes SUVs, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), and sedans, and it is focused on gaining significant market share among Chinese consumers. Kia’s design studio, based in China, has developed these vehicles to meet local preferences and requirements. Production is integrated into Kia’s existing Chinese manufacturing facilities, such as Yancheng.
Creating Horki is a strategic move for Kia to strengthen its position in the huge Chinese automotive market. This specialized sub-brand allows Kia to offer customized options to Chinese customers without compromising the integrity and perception of the global Kia brand. Although relatively new, Horki is a testament to Kia’s focused approach to expanding and thriving in the Chinese automotive market under a localized brand.
Meaning and History
2013 – 2019
The Horki company logo blends elements of Chinese cultural tradition with contemporary design techniques typical of the automotive industry. At its core are two Chinese characters, emphasizing the brand’s national origin. The typeface used for the characters is strict, balanced, and geometrically precise, conveying a sense of stability and solidity.
The main visual focus of the logo is a large silver oval with a smooth gradient transitioning from dark to light shades. Its shape resembles an automotive badge, evoking technical refinement and product reliability associations. The gradient effect highlights volume and a metallic texture, commonly seen in automotive emblems.
Inside the oval are two softly intersecting lines forming a shape that resembles open wings or a stylized letter “M.” The lines are upward-facing, reflecting the brand’s dynamic and forward-looking character. Their contours also resemble a two-petal flower, symbolizing growth and a connection to nature, hinting at the company’s focus on eco-friendly vehicle development.
The Horki emblem visually recalls a polished chrome steering wheel, showcasing attention to detail and a pursuit of perfection. The double lines and stylized leaf-like elements symbolically reference the dual-engine setup of the Kii Cerato R, used in the brand’s vehicle.
The brand name, written in Chinese characters, was intended for the domestic Chinese market. The word “Horki” is derived from a modified version of Huaqi, meaning “Chinese horse,” symbolizing the vehicles’ strength, reliability, and durability.
The brand’s creators envisioned rapid growth and commercial success, with the logo symbolizing future achievement and prosperity. The emblem visually integrates tradition, motion, and a modern design perspective.
Despite its debut model’s appealing aesthetics and strong technical foundation, the brand failed to gain consumer traction. After releasing a single model, the company ceased operations shortly afterward.