Kia of Covington — One Happy Family

Written by Hannelore Noahson | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Tangipahoa's Newest and Nearest Kia Dealership is Kia of Covington

Kia of Covington is an experience worth the short drive down I-12 at the Highway 190 exit. When you first arrive and walk through the dealership’s doors, you’ll feel a change in the atmosphere.

It’s noticeable, not only in the architecture of this first-of-its-kind Kia dealership design, but most importantly, in the culture of the team and the friendliness that exudes from each person you meet.

In fact, you may step right into a Louisiana-style celebration complete with impromptu music, dancing, and cheering as the team members and customers relish in the excitement of their new car purchase.

This is the culture of “Buy Happy, Drive Happy” that the Szura family has brought with them to Kia of Covington from their highly successful first Kia franchise in East Texas. The Szuras and Happy Kia in Silsbee, Texas, were recognized as the number one Kia store in the nation for customer satisfaction for three years running.

In this day and age of corporate entities, Kia of Covington is truly a family-owned and operated business. From Father, Kevin Szura, who is the Dealer Principal, to both his sons, Ryan Szura, General Manager and leader of daily operations, and Kobe Szura, leading the sales team as General Sales Manager. It’s not just the three of them, but their wives, children, and grandchildren who are part of this “Happy” endeavor in relocating and immersing themselves into our community.

Kia of Covington opened in February 2025 and, in a short span, has consistently been the number one volume Kia dealership in the State of Louisiana and the Southern Region. In a time when many dealerships struggle with inventory shortages, the dealership boasts an impressive selection on hand, with at least 300 vehicles on the lot at any given time and access to over 500 in rotation, ensuring customers never have to compromise on their choice.

“Our manufacturer partners promised us we’d never run out of options, and Kia has kept that promise,” Ryan says.

The Szura family’s commitment to our area and community is as strong as their dedication to customer care. Ryan adds, “Moving to Covington wasn’t just a business decision, it was a family commitment. Ryan, his wife, and their children relocated in early 2023, actively engaging themselves in the area long before the dealership doors opened. Since arriving, they’ve supported local schools, youth sports teams, and civic organizations, quickly becoming a positive force on the Northshore.

“We love seeing customers bring their kids to ring our sales gong or to stop by and just say hello," Ryan shares with a smile. “This is more than a place to buy a car. It's a place to belong.”

“Here, our family includes our employees, our employees’ families, our customers, and our community,” Ryan says. Kia of Covington employs 60 staff members and is growing, providing jobs and opportunities to local families. Even customers feel like they are part of something bigger.

From the lifetime perks to the friendly waves you’ll get every time you stop in, Kia of Covington is redefining what a dealership can be. Here, happiness drives everything, and that is something worth celebrating.