Kia History

KIA (Kia Motors Corporation) - South Korean car company with a rich history. Initially the firm, known to all as the KIA, called KyungSung Precision Industry. May 15, 1944 it is not too easy for the European hearing the name was decided to replace the laconic KIA. The first syllable KI means "go global" and - "Asia". Headquartered in Seoul. However, the company was able to fully justify its name, expanding production and opening offices around the world. However, this was preceded by a series of stages of development of KIA. In 1952, it started the production of bicycles, initiating the formation of KIA as an industrial group. The company's products in high demand, so the decision was made on the construction of a second plant in Shayhunge. It opened in 1955. In 1957 KIA launched its first scooter. October 1961 was marked by the start assembling bikes. 1971 was an important milestone in the development of the company - was launched trucks. In June 1973, the new plant began production of KIA cars - is the most important stage of the company. The next month, July, there was another significant event for KIA - was the start of production of petrol engines. In 1974, the factory began assembling KIA cars Mazda 323 licenses for the Japanese company Mazda. At the same time, it started the production car, "Breeze." 1979 was the starting point for the two most important activities of the company KIA: started production of diesel cars and licensing models Peugeot 604 and Fiat 132 for the Korean market. In 1983 KIA signed a partnership agreement with the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda. In the same year range KIA added a new model - a truck Ceres. 80 years of the twentieth century were marked by the financial crisis, which pushed the KIA to fill this niche, as the production of low-cost cars. Thus, in 1987, the company released a budget model Pride. In 1990, the company changed its name to KIA Motors Corporation («KIA Motors Corp. '). In general, the 1990s were a time of large-scale and dynamic development of the company, was marked by the global expansion. Thus, a balanced and well thought out financial policy given the opportunity KIA in the early 90s to the European market. In addition, the company continued its active development in Asia. As a result, in October 1991 at the motor show in Tokyo for the first time presented models and KIA Sportage KIA Sephfia, received high praise and positive feedback from expert users. Using advanced technologies, combined with high reliability and bright, memorable design was the cause of popularity and acceptance Kia Sportage. An independent research company IntelliChoice consumer market for two consecutive years this model conferred the title of "Best Car of the Year." In 1993, KIA Motors Corporation introduced to the European market model Sephia, created by Mazda 323. However, the sale of this car received until 1998, having undergone a lot of changes. In 1995 he released a new model KIA Elan (Roadster), demonstrating it in Tokyo. In the same year appeared sedan Kia Clarus, assembled by Mazda 626. In April 1996, this model went on sale in Europe. In spring 1997, in Seoul, the company KIA Motors Corporation first introduced the concept car - Retona, compact all-wheel drive off-road. In addition, the year 1997 was marked by the opening in Kaliningrad Russia's first plant to produce cars KIA. The end of 1990 was marked for KIA new partnership. Thus, in December 1998 a majority stake KIA Motors Corporation transferred to the company Hyundai («Hyundai"). And in 2000, KIA has entered into a strategic alliance with Hyundai already and concern Daimler Chrysler («Daimler Chrysler"). In 1999, the market was a new KIA Avella / Delta, created by Mazda 121 (up to 1997, this model was called the Ford Aspire in the United States and Ford Festiva in Asia). Also in 1999, the presentation of Kia Carnival minivan in Europe. Another, more compact minivan - Carens - at the same time was presented at the Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main. Currently, the lineup includes models of minivans KIA Carens, Joice and Carnival. Beginning of the XXI century was marked by concern for KIA the market launch of many new cars. Thus, in 2000 lineup of cars KIA replenished Visto, Rio, which expanded the range of models Korean group to 13 pieces. At the 2001 Paris Motor Show was presented the new sedan Magentis, featuring the best value for money. In 2002 took place just three premieres - entered the market Sorento, Optima and Regal. 2003 became a landmark KIA Motors Corporation - produced more than 10 million vehicles. In the same 2003, the year began assembling model KIA Cerato. Moreover, the beginning of the new millennium was marked by international recognition KIA. American Association of National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency has awarded model KIA Sephia title "The safest car in the industry." At international exhibitions and showrooms products KIA - including cars Sephia, Sportage and KEV-4 - highly appreciated by experts. In 2007, the British Institute of Transport Management has called KIA Motors Corporation's largest car manufacturer. In the same year began production model Kia 'ceed, focused especially on the European market and achieved the further positive experts and popularity among consumers. In recent years, KIA is one of the most dynamic and fast growing companies in the world. The company's staff has more than 33 thousand people. KIA products represented in 170 countries.