We’ve compiled some fascinating facts about the Korean Car Marker Kia
1) Kia was founded in 1944 and is the oldest car manufacturer in South Korea.
2) It was bought by Hyundai Motor Company in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis and together they are now the world’s 4th largest car manufacturer behind Volkswagen, Toyota and General Motors.
3) “Kia” is roughly translated to ‘rising out of Asia’ in Sino-Korean language.
4) In 1962 Kia produced South Korea’s first truck the K-360, it had only 3 wheels.
5) Their slogan, “The Power to Surprise,” represents the company’s global commitment to surprising the world with exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
6) In 1993, Kia manufactured its three millionth vehicle. In 2016 alone, Kia produced and sold over three million cars.
7) By 2020 Kia plan to have 14 alternative fuel models – that is hybrids, electrics and plug in hybrids.
8) The big turnaround for the company came when it increased focus on Europe, and designer Peter Schreyer was hired as the Kia design boss. Schreyer spent a decade with the VW Group as head of Audi and head of Volkswagen design.
9) The Sportage is Kia’s biggest selling model with sales making up 20% of total sales.
10) Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing plant builds one million cars a year, that’s 114 cars an hour or almost two a minute.
For more information check out Kia Ireland or the Kia Ireland Facebook page.
17th August, 2017
