Seven seconds with Google:
"If you haven't heard of Brenthon before, don't worry because most people probably haven't. As detailed by Jalopnik a couple of years ago, Brenthon is a company that appears to exclusively sell badges and a new name for Kia and Hyundai models."

 

Yeah. I googled it too. Thanks for info I already know. Now does anybody know WHY this is a thing? What is the actual point to pay more for a badge swap? Is this just a way for dealers to get more money?

 

"The company has managed to establish itself through some intelligent marketing when all it does is produce emblems, badges, and wheel caps, exactly what it has done for the new Kia Optima.
...
The company promotes itself through flashy images and marketing campaigns filled with glamour models and it’d be easy to be fooled into thinking it is some kind of tuning company. If you’re driving a Kia or Hyundai wearing Brenthon badges, someone will inevitably ask you about the company and you’ll be forced to explain that you are in fact driving a Kia or Hyundai but didn’t want the world to know it."
-- Carscoops

 

someone will inevitably ask you about the company and you’ll be forced to explain that you are in fact driving a Kia or Hyundai but didn’t want the world to know it."
-- Carscoops

I guess this answers my question.

 

I worked as a cashier at a grocery store for 3 years. One of the baggers drove a worn out Oldsmobile with a Jaguar hood ornament. That guy could have been rich. (I think he moved on to welfare fraud, or something.).

 

Going the other way with badging, once helped put together a really nice little speed boat, Infinity with an Allison racing hull. Installed a 140HP Evinrude (largest approved engine for the hull) after which the owner put a raggedy, faded, Johnson 65HP engine cover on. Boy, did he surprise some folks on the lake!

 

If you want to hide the fact that you're driving a Hyundai or Kia, maybe purchase a different make of vehicle.

If you're okay with driving these cars, why hide it in the first place?

 

If you're okay with driving these cars, why hide it in the first place?

It reminds me of when I was a kid, and we'd clip playing cards next to tires on our bikes. They'd make a motor sound as they slapped against the spokes. It was very believable (for as long as you wanted to believe). I think this "Brenthon" garb is similar. They're paying for an experience. Nothing else.

 

Ever see a Toyota Cressida with Mercedes badging? Used to be several around here ...

 

Where do you live that Toyota Cressida's are still rolling around?

 

I demand to be reimbursed for the time I wasted reading this

 

What about the time you wasted replying to this?

 

I have a neighbor with a brand new V6 Mustang. Two days later I see GT and 5.0 badges on it. Still sounds like a lawn mower. No dude..just...no.

 

I am in the (very long) process of swapping a 5.0L 302 V8 into my ford Ranger. I totally plan on putting a "5.0" badge or 2 on that sucker. The problem is I don't currently have a shop to work in and doing it outside is very weather dependent. Too hot or raining, nothing gets done. Too cold or raining, nothing gets done. AND I am the one who determines if it's too hot/cold/rainy outside.