Tagline: The Power to Surprise
Some sources tend to consider that it was founded in 1944 KIA (at that time it was called Kyungsung Precision Industry) is the first ever South Korean car manufacturer. In principle, this is true, judging from the point of view of the date of foundation. But for a long time the company was engaged exclusively in bicycles and scooters, later on motorized carriages and three-wheeled vehicles, such as those produced by the Japanese Daihatsu. The first four-wheeled vehicle, which could already be called a car, appeared only in the early 70s. The first cars appeared a little later (and even those were built under license from other manufacturers).
As for the very first Korean car, it was Sibal (this name can be translated as "start" or "Start"), built in 1955 and to KIA had no relation. It is based on the legendary American army Jeep.
 |
| Sibal — самый первый в истории южнокорейский автомобиль. Выпускался компанией «Кукчже чхарян» в 1955 году. In total, about 1000 pieces were produced. |
There are many criteria by which a company can be considered Kyungsung Precision Industry pioneer. She started with the production of bicycles under the brand Samcholly-Ho. The assembly took place by hand, in a small factory that was located in the town of Yangdeungpo (Yougdeungpo), which is now located in the southern part of Seoul. Korea in those years was a very poor and backward country, and even a Japanese colony, so the emergence of even such a small company that managed to launch production, even on the basis of other people's developments, is a real event.
In 1950, the company began manufacturing bicycles of its own design. And when it turned out that this design is quite reliable and successful (moreover, it is possible to enter the international market with it), the leadership, inspired by success, in 1952 decides to change the name to a more euphonious one. So there was KIA. Which, with some imagination, can be translated as "coming from Asia" or "Asiatic". One feels unfounded confidence that it will be possible to become a major player in the global market. By the way, do not forget that in Korea at that moment there was a war, the result of which was the final division of the country into North and South.
Until 1961, there was a lull in the affairs of the company. The first achievement was the appearance of the first ever Korean motorcycle - the C-100 model. And here KIA suffered. A year later, the company's first three-wheeled truck appeared - the K360 model, which managed to hold out on the market for more than 10 years. In 1971, the first four-wheeled truck called Titan appeared in the history of the company and South Korea. Also a successful and successful model, the name of which for a long time was almost synonymous with the word “truck” for Koreans.
In 1973, the first passenger car produced KIA (which, due to the expansion of production, has become known as KIA Corporation). They became the model Brisa. In fairness, it should be noted that it had much more from Mazdathan from KIA. And subsequent models were built under license from other manufacturers, such as Peugeot и FIAT. By that time, the production of motorcycles had been abandoned.
 |
| KIA Pride — самая известная и популярная модель компании, allowing her to stand firmly on her feet. The car was produced between 1986 and 2000. |
The 1980s were marked by a difficult financial situation and many problems. So no notable achievements were made during this period. However, it was in those years that the most complex restructuring of the company took place and the millionth car was produced.
Another thing is the 90s. It was then that the models developed by the company, which again changed its name, begin to appear. This time at KIA Motors Corporation. The rise of a new star began, the light of which was already noticed not only in Europe, but also in the USA.
But the crisis that erupted in Asia in 1997 led to the fact that the company was declared financially insolvent and absorbed Hyundai Motor. What led to education Hyundai Kia Automotive Group.
Cars KIA gradually gaining more and more popularity and gaining more and more respect. They are sold almost everywhere. Initially, only causing a smile among many consumers, adherents of high-profile brands, now they are already able to compete with the products of many famous manufacturers. Cars disperse KIA million copies.
The company's headquarters is located in Seoul. As for the factories, they are scattered across the continents, meeting already in Europe and Asia. Cars in Russia KIA releases JSC "IzhAvto".
