What car brand does the KIA logo represent?
1 Answers
KIA is the logo of Dongfeng Yueda Kia, with Kia referring to the Kia Motors Corporation, the earliest automobile manufacturer in South Korea. In 2000, it merged with the Hyundai Group to form the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, which is the world's fifth-largest automobile manufacturer by production volume. In the Korean language, "KI" is a syllable pronounced as "Kee," and "A" stands for the first letter of "Asia." Kia Motors Corporation boasts a comprehensive production line for both passenger and commercial vehicles, with the Asan Bay plant covering 3.3 million square meters and the Sohari plant spanning 790,000 square meters, capable of producing one million vehicles annually. Its sales network spans over 180 countries. Kia primarily manufactures cost-effective family vehicles, generally positioned in the lower to mid-range segments. In China, the commonly seen models are joint ventures under Dongfeng Yueda Kia, including sedans like the K2, Forte, K3, K4, and K5, as well as SUVs such as the Stonic, Sportage, and KX5. Key milestones in KIA's history: 1944: Kyungsung Precision Industry was established in South Korea. 1951: The company was officially named "Kia Industries" and produced South Korea's first bicycle. 1957: Manufactured South Korea's first C-100 small motorcycle and established a branch in Siheung. 1961: Produced South Korea's first C-180 motorcycle. 1962: Manufactured South Korea's first K-360 truck. 1973: The Sohari plant, South Korea's first fully equipped automobile production facility, was founded, pioneering domestic internal combustion engine production. Kia developed South Korea's first gasoline engine and the Brisa B-1000, the nation's first passenger car. 1984: Kia Research & Development Center (R&D) was established. 1990: The company was renamed "Kia Motors Corporation." 1991: The Sephia and Sportage compact SUV debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show. 1992: Established its U.S. subsidiary, Kia Motors America, and launched the Sephia in overseas markets. 1994: Kia's buses, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles obtained ISO9001 quality certification. 1999: Hyundai Kia Automotive Group was formed, and production of the Carnival MPV began. 2002: The Sorento midsize SUV was officially released, and Dongfeng Yueda Kia was established and commenced production. 2003: The Opirus, a large luxury sedan, was launched. 2004: The Slovakia plant began operations. 2005: The new Rio was introduced. 2006: The premium MPV VQ (Sedona) was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, announcing plans for Kia's first U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia. The new Carens (Rondo) also hit the market. 2007: The Picanto made its debut, and the three-door hatchback Pro-ceed premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
