Detroit debuts: Kia is expected to unveil the 2017 Forte sedan.

2016 pipeline: The redesigned Optima midsize sedan just went on sale, and the reworked Sportage compact crossover is arriving in showrooms soon. A rugged-looking hybrid called the Niro will follow later in the year.

New faces: Jang Won Sohn was dispatched from Europe to become CEO of Kia Motors America in April, and Suk Won Hahn took over as CFO in February.

2015 share: 3.6% (Jan.-Nov.); 3.5% (Jan.-Dec. 2014)

Sales trend: Kia posted better-than-average growth last year with a car-heavy lineup and a dearth of high-profile launches, which makes the feat all the more impressive. A stacked launch calendar could make 2016 a banner year.

Challenges: Eye-catching designs have changed some customers' minds about Kia, but the brand still is overcoming an old reputation for unsophisticated economy cars.

Strategy: Kia is on a mission to win quality surveys from independent groups such as J.D. Power, proving it makes cars with the best of them. And the success of the Soul has proved Kia can pull off youthful, sporty and stylish.