History
Kia Motors started in December 1944 as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubings. It was known then as Kyungsung Precision. In 1952, the South Korean company was renamed Kia Industries. It made licensed cars and trucks for Mazda. It also catered to Honda, assembling small motorcycles.
Development
In 1973, they started manufacturing Brisa, a compact car adored for its versatility. Production stopped due to some changes in the Korean government. The company then focused on making light trucks.
With the help of Ford-Mazda, the company resumed the manufacturing of cars in the 1980s. One of their first releases was the Kia Pride. It was distributed in South Korea and imported in several countries.
Due to the success of its models in the U.S., Kia Motors America was founded in 1992. The Sephia and “Sportage was such a hit, the company extended to more regions. In 1995, over 100 dealerships were active in 30 states.
During the financial crisis affecting a majority of Asian businesses, Kia filed for bankruptcy. Seeing the business’s great potential, Hyundai Motor Company came to the rescue and got a 51% share of the company.
Fast forward today, Kia is one of the most established companies being the second largest car manufacturer after Hyundai in South Korea. It also ventured into making military vehicles for the country.
Local presence
In 1994, the Columbian Autocar Corporation together with Kia Motors introduced its widely recognized line up in the Philippines.
In 2019, however, Kia Philippines was put under new management under the AC Industrials, the automotive arm of the Ayala Group of Companies. Kia Philippines now has almost 40 dealerships nationwide. It showcases notable releases such as the Kia Picanto, Kia Rio, Kia Soluto, Kia Sportage, Kia Grand Carnival, K2500, Kia Seltos, Kia Picanto, and other models carefully designed for your needs.
Contact information
- Head office address: Kilometer 16, West Services Road, South Superhighway, Bicutan, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mondays to Fridays
- Official website: http://www.kia.com/ph/main.html
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiaphilippines
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/@kiaphilippines