Kia
- South Korea
Founded in 1944, Kyungsung Precizion Industry has been known since March 1952 as Kia Industry Corp. and Kia Motors as of March 1990. Kia launched motorcycle production in 1961 and three-wheel delivery vehicles in 1962, followed in 1971 by trucks and in October 1974 by the first Kia passenger sedan, the Brisa S100 under a Mazda Familia license. In the years 1979-81 Fiat 132 and Peugeot 604 vehicles were also assembled here. Since 1976 the Kia concern has owned 28.3% of Asia shares. Cars made under the Asia trademark were built from 1965-2000. In March 1999 Hyundai acquired 25% of Kia and Asia shares. These two firms were merged within the framework of the Hyundai Motor Corporation.
