Founded in 1944... The History of Mobility in Korea
To mark its 80th anniversary, Kia reflected on its past journey and shared a new vision for future mobility. Kia’s growth, from its beginnings in 1944 with bicycles, through three-wheeled vehicles, to electric vehicles and purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), encapsulates the history of transportation and mobility in Korea.
Chung Euisun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, stated at the 'Kia 80th Anniversary Celebration' held at Kia Vision Square in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on December 5, "Kia's 80 years have been a great journey, like an epic narrative," adding, "On behalf of Hyundai Motor Group, I deeply thank everyone who has been part of these 80 years."
The event was attended by more than 400 people, including Chairman Chung, Kia President Song Ho-sung, former and current executives and employees, National Assembly Vice Speaker Lee Hak-young, National Assembly member Kim Namhee, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong, and other distinguished guests.
On this day, Kia unveiled its company history book, "Kia 80 Years," which comprehensively reviews and re-examines its history. This is the first such publication since joining Hyundai Motor Group, coming 30 years after the 50th anniversary edition released in 1994.
The company history book organizes Kia’s exclusive focus on the mobility industry under the theme of "challenge and striving." It highlights the founding spirit of technology and industrial development of founder Kim Cheolho, the quality management and global leadership of Honorary Chairman Chung Mongkoo, who led Kia’s revival, the design-driven management of Chairman Chung Euisun, who transformed the organizational culture through innovation, and the recent growth process culminating in Kia’s "Total Transformation."
President Song Ho-sung said, "Based on the lessons learned from compiling the company history, we will reaffirm the 'spirit of striving' that has continued since our founding," and added, "We will cherish Kia’s heritage, including its intangible assets, and use it as a driving force to move forward into the future."
To usher in a new era of mobility, Kia also unveiled its future concept car, "Vision Metatourismo," for the first time. This concept car combines dynamic driving performance with a spacious interior, expanding the concept of mobility from mere travel to spaces for relaxation and communication.
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