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Where did the name Kia come from?
I’m pretty knowledgeable about cars, but I’m not sure if I know the real origin of the Kia label. The internet says it’s some kind of acronym, but that seems bogus to me. Where did the name Kia come from?
Brittni Brinn · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The name Kia did come from an acronym of sorts! The Kia name is made up of two Korean characters: the ki means to rise from and the a represents Asia.
Here are a few facts about Kia’s origins and the company’s history:
- Founded in 1944, Kia originally produced steel tubes and bicycle parts under the name Kyungsung Precision Industry
- In 1952, the company changed its name to Kia Industries and transitioned into motorcycle, truck, and car production
- Kia partnered with Ford in 1986 to produce Mazda-inspired cars and established a presence in the U.S. in 1992
- After going bankrupt in 1997, Hyundai bought a majority of Kia’s shares, allowing the company to continue
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- Gregory R.
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