About the KIA brand

General Information

Kia Motors Corporation is the oldest South Korean automobile manufacturer. The company produces passenger cars, minibuses, trucks, and buses. Its headquarters are located in Seoul.

Corporate History

The company "Kia" was founded in 1944. The brand name consists of two syllables: "KI" means "to come out to the whole world," and "A" means "Asia," which together translate as "to come out of Asia into the world." The first products were bicycles under the Samcholli-Ho brand, which quickly gained popularity in Korea. In 1946, the company produced the first Korean bicycle, and in 1957, the first motor scooter. From 1961, the enterprise began manufacturing motorcycles, motorized tricycles, and three-wheeled trucks. Like other Korean companies, KIA started by copying Japanese cars. After expanding production and launching trucks in 1971, the company was transformed into KIA Corporation. In 1974, under license from Japanese Mazda, the Mazda 323 was produced. In 1976, the company bought Asia Motors, which contributed to its growth. Further activities focused on producing passenger cars, minibuses, trucks, and buses. By the early 1980s, the company faced a financial crisis. To survive, the focus was placed on inexpensive cars. In 1987, the Pride model (based on the Mazda 121) was released, distinguished by its extremely low price. This policy stabilized finances, and in the early 1990s, Kia entered the European market. Since 1990, the company has been called KIA Motors Corporation. In the 1990s, it experienced a heyday: new models appeared that received international recognition, and plants were built in Korea, Japan, and the USA. In 1995, the Kia Clarus was released with a streamlined body and low aerodynamic drag, built on the basis of the Mazda 626. Between the Pride and Clarus, the Kia Sephia model was produced in several variants. In 1996, production began on the Kia Sportage SUV, developed jointly with the German company Karmann. This all-wheel-drive small jeep was distinguished by good driving characteristics, stylish design, and a moderate price. In 1997, the KMS-II roadster with a composite body, developed on the basis of the Lotus Elan, was presented. In 1998, due to a drop in demand for passenger cars in South Korea, the company suffered huge losses, lost its independence, and became part of Hyundai. Hyundai Motor owns 51% of the shares of the bankrupt KIA Motors and its subsidiary Asia Motors. In 2002, the Sorento, new Optima, and Regal models appeared. In the same year, the company surpassed the milestone of 10 million produced vehicles. In 2003, Kia management announced the start of the Global Environmental Management program. In 2005, export volume exceeded 5 million cars, and new Rio and Carnival models were released. In August 2005, an expedition on the Sorento began: the car traveled 27,000 km from Sweden and back, completing the journey in December. KIA sought to capture a large share of foreign markets. The company's success extended to the most competitive market—the USA, where the National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency recognized the KIA Sephia as the safest car in the industry. At international auto shows, KIA received high ratings for the Sephia, Sportage, and KEV-4 models. Today, KIA models are sold in more than 170 countries. The company actively participates in sports events: it is the main sponsor of the Australian Open tennis tournament and a sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia was the official automotive partner of FIFA and UEFA.

KIA in Ukraine

The official distributor of Kia Motors Corporation in Ukraine is "Kia Motors Ukraine." The brand's history in the country began in 1996. By 2005, the company had established itself as a serious player in the Ukrainian automotive market. Currently, there are about 60 dealerships operating in Ukraine. "Kia Motors Ukraine" regularly holds promotions, participates in test drives, auto shows, and exhibitions. The Kia Rio received the Autobest 2006 award as the best car in Eastern Europe, and the Kia Cee'd won the audience award at Sia 2007. According to the results of the "Car of the Year 2008" competition, the Kia Cee'd was recognized as the best in its class.