Kia’s been an up-and-coming, steadily-growing brand in the auto world here in the U.S. for a few decades now, but its presence seems to have just crept on in to our consciousness without much fanfare. How much do you know about Kia Motors? Today, we’ll give you some facts and trivia about the brand that you may not have known before!
You probably know that Kia vehicles from South Korea, also home to Hyundai Motor Company. Kia’s headquarters is in Seoul, the capital and largest city in the country. The name Kia has two parts: ki, meaning “to come out” and a, which stands for Asia. So the name can be approximated to mean “Come up out of Asia.” With Kia’s continued success in overseas markets as well as back home, we’d say it’s a rather appropriate name.
Kia started out in 1944, making steel tubing and bicycle parts by hand. Eventually, the company graduated to entire, full-sized bicycles, then motorcycles, and eventually made their first car in 1974.
At home in Korea, Kia has manufactured military vehicles and military transport equipment since 1976. The division is called Kia Heavy Industry, and Kia Defense produces six vehicles including a utility vehicle, a 2.5-ton cargo truck, and an amphibious tracked vehicle.
Kia has manufacturing facilities at home in Korea, and also in Malaysia, Slovakia, China, Vietnam, Russia, and the U.S. (West Point Plant in Georgia).
Kia sponsors a number of sports associations, teams, and athletes including the NBA and WNBA, FIFA World Cup, X Games, golfer Michelle Wie, and MMA fighter Ryan Ford. They also sponsor events such as Vans Warped Tour.
Kia’s distinctive grille, nicknamed the “Tiger Nose,” was given to the brand in 2007.. According to Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, “A Car needs a face and I think the new Kia face is strong and distinctive.” We agree!
Want to learn more about Kia Motors on more practical, day-to-day level? Like, driving one of your own? Give us a call!
