Automotive Recyclers Association - Archive

Online Resources:

• kia.com
• KIA-Cars.org
• Get A Quote On Car Insurance Australia

Related Ads:

KIA

The Korean auto-giant, Kia Motors is known to serve people who think economically. Most of the times, it targets the middle class budget minded people. That is why we witness lower prices of Kia’s models as compared to the models of other companies under same category. The Kia gives you value for money products which succeed in providing all the functionalities and warranty coverage that other competent companies provide.

The Korean company began as a bicycle and steel tubing producer in 1944. The name “Kia” is derived from Chinese language which means “to arise”. This is perhaps the true name that it could have because the way company has emerged out of the initial conditions is remarkable. In the 1950s the Koreans had their first bicycle which was produced by Kia. In late 1950s Kia started producing motor scooters as well and launched the C100.

In the 1960s, the company enlarged its lineup with motorcycles and three wheelers. Gradually the company directed its head towards the automobile production in the early 1970s. By 1973, Korea witnessed its fully integrated automobile production plant, the Sohari Plant set up by Kia. This plant started delivering Korea’s first internal combustion gasoline engine in large quantities. Kia revealed the Brisa, Korea’s first passenger car. Later in this decade, Kia’s technology was exploited to produce vehicles like Peugeot 604 and the Fiat 132.

Kia’s lineup continued to expand its wings and by the end of the decade 1980-90, it had models like Concord, Potentia and Pride under its belt.

Ford brought the pride to US market in the form of Ford Festiva in 1987. After a few years Ford again launched another of Kia’s products, the Avella, in the North America, this time with the name Ford Aspire.

In early 1990s, Kia started marketing its vehicles under its own brand name in the US markets proclaiming the introduction of the Sephia. The Sephia was only available in the western states in the beginning. In the year 1995, Kia had unveiled its new creation the Sportage SUV in order to catch up with the prevailing wave of SUVs in the automobile market. In the late 1990s Kia was all over the US with its dealers in every state except North Dakota.

Hyundai, another giant automaker of Korea acquired Kia in 1998 in a merger because of the tough financial circumstances of Kia during that period. Kia is on a high note after it has been purchased by Hyundai and its products are emerging out with more reliability and better quality. The Substantial Warranty program introduced in 2001 has helped prop up the consumers’ faith in the company.