Kia is a South Korean automaker with a history dating back to 1944. At that time, they made bicycles and three-wheelers, much smaller transportation than their eventual first automobile: the Brisa. There are over 70 years of history to learn about when researching Kia, and all of it is fascinating.
From Bicycles to the Seltos
Kia is having a banner year in America this year, and it's a reminder to everyone that even if you start small, you can end up big. Kia started in South Korea in 1944 as a company that made bicycle and motorcycle. They didn't start manufacturing automobiles until 1974. That's the year their Brisa came out.
By 1992, Kia was producing its cars completely independently. Their Sephia model was the first Kia model sold in the U.S., exactly as it was in South Korea. It was an extremely important year for Kia, as it introduced them to a generation of Americans looking for something different from their vehicles. Another important name that appeared in 1995 was the Kia Sportage. To this day, the Sportage is one of their most popular SUVs and a major player in its class.
While Kia's history is shorter in America than that of some other brands, few have had the same impact. Kia vehicles are known for being very affordable and dependable, which rarely go together in the same design. Kia's Soul has a youthful exuberance that keeps it popular with younger people and those who are young at heart. It first appeared in 2006 and remains another of Kia's popular smaller models. In 2019, Kia introduced the Kia Seltos, a tech-savvy SUV that promised to be Kia's next-gen take on the SUV. It has so far done huge numbers in the U.S.
What once started as a bicycle company is now one of the largest automakers in the world. Its full line of cars and SUVs continues to inspire and motivate Americans and others around the world. Kia started small but kept thinking big. Now, it's one of the most recognizable names in the American auto industry, and its designs help lots of other people get where they're going each day.
More Information About Kia's History
You can learn more about Kia's fascinating journey by contacting our dealership or ask questions when you visit us.
