Since its foundation in 1944, Kia Motors has devoted itself to producing quality vehicles for more than half a century.

40's

  • 1944
    • Company established as ‘Kyungsung Precision Industries’

50's

  • 1951
    • Company officially named ‘Kia Industries’
    • Production of Korea’s first bicycle begins
  • 1957
    • Production of Korea’s first motor scooter - the C-100 begins
    • Shihung factory established

60's

  • 1961
    • Production of Korea’s first motorcycle - the C-180 begins
  • 1962
    • Production of Korea’s first truck - the K-360 begins

70's

  • 1971
    • The Titan, a 4-wheel cargo truck is produced
  • 1972
    • Kia Service Co. Ltd established
  • 1973
    • The Sohari plant - Korea’s first fully integrated automobile production facility - opens and Korea’s first internal combustion engine is manufactured
    • Production of gasoline engines begins
    • The Brisa B-1000 pick-up is produced
  • 1974
    • Kia begins manufacturing of the Peugeot 604
    • Kia manufactures the Fiat 132, which is evidence of the company’s increasingly sophisticated technology

80's

  • 1981
    • The Bongo truck is produced
  • 1984
    • Kia Research and Development (R&D) Centre established

90's

  • 1990
    • Corporate name changed to ‘Kia Motors Inc.’
  • 1991
    • Sephia and Sportage Compact SUV introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show
  • 1992
    • Kia Motors America Inc. established
    • Sephia launched in overseas markets
  • 1993
    • Sephia introduced to the European market
    • Sportage compact SUV is introduced
  • 1994
    • Kia attains ISO 9001 certifications for production of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles
    • Kia begins marketing cars and trucks in Latin America, the Middle East, France, Germany and Italy
  • 1995
    • Kia Motors Europe GmbH established
  • 1997
    • Sportage compact SUV named “Best Overall Value of the Year” and “Best 4WD Buy” by various US automotive magazines
  • 1999
    • Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group formed
    • The Carnival (Sedona) MPV is produced
    • Five regional headquarters established worldwide

2000's

  • 1981
    • The Bongo truck is produced
  • 2000
    • Kia Sportage compact SUV completes Paris-Dakar Rally
    • Magentis (Optima) mid-size sedan produce
  • 2001
    • Full-scale entry into Chinese automobile market
  • 2002
    • Sorento mid-size SUV launched
    • Subsidiary companies established in 5 European countries
  • 2003
    • Main sponsorship agreement for Australian Open through 2008 signed
    • Kia and Hyundai R&D units merged, ground broken for new Environment Technology Centre, and global environmental management initiative declared
    • Kia receives US $5 Billion Export Award
  • 2004
    • A-segment Picanto launched
    • All-new Sportage compact SUV launched
    • Construction on Slovakia plant commences, signing ceremony for second plant in China held
    • Kia receives US $7 Billion Export Award
  • 2005
    • All-new Rio launched
    • Kia selected as Official Automobile Partner of FIFA from 2007-2014
    • Sportage Fuel cell fleet introduced at grand opening of new hydrogen energy station in California
    • Five additional European subsidiaries established
    • New Magentis (Optima) premieres at Frankfurt Motor Show
    • Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group opens Environmental Technology R&D Centre in Korea
    • Sportage compact SUV receive APEAL awards in J.D.Power and Associates Study (USA)
    • Kia receives US $10 Billion Export Tower Award
    • Ground breaking for Kia Motors Europe new headquarters
  • 2006
    • Ground-breaking ceremony held for first US manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia
    • All-new Carens MPV launched
    • Construction of Slovakia plant completed
    • Carnival MPV earned highest ratings in NHTSA and IIHS safety tests (USA)
    • Cee’d hatchback launched
    • Rio ranked highest in subcompact category by J.D. Power and Associates (Initial Quality Study)
  • 2007
    • Kia awards
    • Kia Kee concept car shown at Frankfurt Motorshow
    • Kia Borrego concept shown at Geneva
    • Kia Picanto facelift introduced
  • 2008
    • Mohave (Borrego) released in Korea
    • Soul vehicles released Paris Motor Show 
    • Koup Concept vehicle shown at New York Motor Show
    • Kia Sportage facelift introduced