Kia

Kia was founded in December 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, originally manufacturing steel tubing and bicycle parts. In 1951, the company changed its name to Kia Industries and produced Korea's first domestic bicycle. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Kia expanded into motorcycles, trucks, and eventually passenger cars, launching the Brisa in 1974. However, a military-enforced industry consolidation in 1981 forced Kia to stop passenger car production and focus on light trucks until 1986. Re-entering the car market in partnership with Ford, Kia produced models like the Pride and Avella for international markets. The 1997 Asian financial crisis pushed Kia into bankruptcy, leading to its acquisition by Hyundai Motor Company in 1998. This merger created the Hyundai Motor Group, allowing Kia to share platforms and R&D costs while maintaining a distinct brand identity through unique styling and marketing. Under the leadership of design chief Peter Schreyer in the late 2000s, Kia underwent a design revolution characterized by the 'Tiger Nose' grille, which helped the brand shed its budget image. This period saw the introduction of globally successful models like the Optima, Sportage, and the Soul, establishing Kia as a serious competitor in the mainstream market. In 2021, the company rebranded from 'Kia Motors' to simply 'Kia' to signal its shift toward electric vehicles and future mobility services. The company's 'Plan S' strategy outlines a massive investment in electrification, aiming for a comprehensive lineup of dedicated EVs. Today, Kia is a leader in the electric transition with award-winning platforms like the E-GMP, which underpins the EV6 and EV9.