The Top-Level Domain (TLD) “.kia” is a brand TLD and has its origin in an automaker company called Kia Motors Corporation based in South Korea. The domain “.kia” is a part of the Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) which was introduced by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and methodologies of several databases of unique identifiers involved in the internet’s functioning, ensuring the network’s stability and security.
The “.kia” domain is not available for public registration and is only used by Kia Motors Corporation, as it aims to provide authentic information and services to its customers. This strategy is often used by companies to protect their brand’s strength online, maintain customer trust, and ensure that customers can find accurate information from a legitimate source. For instance, one might find customer service information, product details, or company news by visiting websites with the “.kia” domain.
ICANN introduced the new gTLD program that allowed companies, organizations, and institutions to apply for their TLDs. The application process was extensive and included technical, financial, and legal examinations. The newly introduced TLDs provided companies with an opportunity to increase their brand presence and authenticity in the online community.
Brand TLDs like “.kia” are beneficial for companies in multiple ways. For instance, they can increase the visibility of their brand online, improve the user experience through easier navigation, prevent others from registering a domain that might confuse customers, and provide a new way for marketing the brand and its products/services.
ICANN lists all TLDs in the Root Zone Database (a directory of TLDs). The “.kia” domain falls under the category of Brand TLDs, which is specifically dedicated to represented companies or organizations’ trademarks or service marks. Many other auto brands like “.hyundai”, “.toyota”, and “.nissan” also fall into this TLD category.
To sum up, TLD “.kia” is a brand-specific domain associated with the South Korean automobile manufacturer, Kia Motors Corporation. It falls under the gTLDs introduced by ICANN’s new program. This domain is not available for public registration and is only used by the Kia Motors Corporation to uphold and enhance its brand identity online.
For reference, domain-related information has been sourced from ICANN and its Root Zone Database.
Sources:
1. ICANN – https://www.icann.org/
2. Root Zone Database – https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/
3. New gTLD Program – https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/delegated-strings
4. Kia official website – http://www.kia.com/
