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The History of Kia

Kia began as Kyungsung Precision Industry in 1944 in South Korea. It started as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing. It wasn’t until 1957 that Kia got into the motorized vehicle market with Honda motorcycles. It expanded again in 1962 with Mazda trucks. Kia once again expanded with cars in the 1970s and 1980s. It was in the late 1980s that Kia began making its own brand of cars with Ford and Mazda.

Kia Motors America came into existence in 1992 with the introduction of the Sportage and Sephia. The company declared bankruptcy in the late 1990s and was bought by Hyundai in 1998. Kia became a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group. It was when the famous Tiger Nose concept became part of the development of Kia models that the company saw an increase in sales around the world. Even though Hyundai owns Kia, the two companies are separate and competitive with each other. They share platforms and some components but don’t share anything visible on any model.

The Brand

While Kia has made some changes that have increased its popularity and appeal, it stays true to the vision of the company. It started with the Sportage, which continues to be popular with buyers of compact SUVs. The Sorento has also become a leader for the manufacturer as a larger SUV that offers comfort and convenience. The Soul is one of the most recognizable models for the brand and is a top seller. Those buyers looking for comfort and a little taste of luxury find the Optima appealing while the Forte offers efficiency.

One of the reasons Kia continues to grow as a car brand is because it always gives a little something extra for its vehicles. Even base models come equipped with advanced technology and premium luxury features. For example, many manufacturers make heated front seats available only on the high-end trims, but Kia includes them on many base models. Rearview cameras and blind-spot monitoring are some of the safety features you can find on-base models or low-level trims.

Another reason Kia wins with many car buyers is its outstanding warranty. You just can’t beat the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for peace of mind. This warranty includes roadside assistance for those times when you’re stranded and need help. The assistance not only includes towing with a breakdown, but it offers some basic features you usually have to pay extra for, such as flat tire repair and gas refueling.

Kia is becoming a leader in alternative technology. More models include a hybrid version while Kia also adds a plug-in or electric model to the lineup with the Optima and other choices to fit a variety of buyers. A dedication to their customers and to the environment makes Kia an exceptional choice for your next vehicle.