The Dream of
Mobility on Wheels
Chapter 1. 1944 - 1973
1944
Kia’s Origins:
Kyungsung Precision Industry
Kyungsung Precision Industry factory in Yeongdeungpo
In December 1944, Kia’s founder, Kim Cheol-ho, established Kyungsung Precision Industry
with a strong belief in the mission of building an industrial nation. Despite the country’s
industrial focus shifting toward military production and the severe shortage of materials,
he pursued the dream of Korea’s technological independence by producing bicycles and
their parts domestically. His relentless commitment to technology and nurturing talent formed the foundation for Kia’s philosophy of prioritizing technological
advancement.
Even under challenging circumstances, Kyungsung Precision Industry developed key
bicycle parts such as tires, pedals, and saddles, laying the groundwork for future growth.
In August 1949, the company achieved its first overseas export,
shipping Korean-made saddles to Hong Kong.
1952
Rising from Asia to the World:
Kia Industries
After the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, Kyungsung Precision Industry relocated
its factory to Busan in January 1951 to continue its efforts in developing Korea’s first bicycle.
Despite the challenges of the time, the company succeeded in producing bicycle rims.
With aspirations to enter the global market, it renamed itself Kia1 Industries in February 1952 and
dedicated itself to bicycle development.
In March 1952, the company launched
Korea’s first bicycle, 3000-Liho (Samchully)2, a model that embodied the dream of a united Korea.
1) Kia (起亞) meaning: “Rising from Asia to the world”
2) 3000-Liho (Samchully): Named after the distance from the southern tip to the northern tip of the Korean Peninsula,
expressing the aspiration for national reunification
1957
From Bicycles to Motorcycles
In 1957, Kia relocated its bicycle production facilities from Busan to its newly built factory in Siheung.
With the ability to produce its own pipes for bicycle frames, the company’s output soon surpassed
3,000 bicycles a month.
Building on the confidence gained from stable
bicycle production, Kia expanded its business scope and launched
its first motorcycle, C-100, in October 1961—marking Kia’s first foray into engine-powered mobility.
Kia Siheung factory nameplate
1962
Kia’s Three-Wheelers:
Built for the Times
In January 1962, Kia introduced its first automobile, the compact K-360 three-wheeler.
At the time, Korea’s narrow and steep roads made three-wheelers suitable for cargo transport.
As intercity logistics grew in the mid-1960s, the medium-sized T-2000 three-wheeler,
with a loading capacity of two tons, was launched in January 1967 and became a vital vehicle
for carrying freight along key industrial routes.
Riding the wave of Korea’s rapid economic growth,
three-wheelers gained widespread popularity.
In September 1969, the compact T-600 was introduced and quickly dominated
the urban freight market, thriving in cities with narrow alleyways. Fueled by the rising demand
for three-wheelers, Kia’s automobile sales soon surpassed those of bicycles and motorcycles.
1973
Sohari Plant and
Korea’s First Domestic Engine
Sohari Plant (now AutoLand Gwangmyeong)
In the late 1960s, Korea’s automotive industry reached a turning point with the
construction of expressways. Kia prepared for this new era by building a full-scale automobile
plant and launching its first four-wheeled trucks, Titan and Boxer, in September 1971.
In June 1973, Kia completed the Sohari Plant, the largest in Korea at the time and the first to adopt
a conveyor system, securing an annual capacity of 25,000 vehicles.
Amid growing competition from companies backed by foreign capital and technology,
Kia focused on developing its own engines and vehicles. In November 1973,
Kia succeeded in producing Korea’s first automobile engine, which was later exported to Japan.
