Kia was formed in 1944 as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. After producing the first bike in Korea in the 1950's, Kia began building motor scooters.

Kia is Korean and means to arise to the world out of Asia.  Kia is South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer. Headquartered in Seoul, Kia is partialy owned by Hyundai Motors. Hyundai purchased Kia in the 1990's.

Kia cars targets the budget minded young and stylish consumer, while Hyundai targets an older, more mature consumer. 

KIA Motors America was incorporated in the United States in 1996 and soon after began to sell the Sephia and Sportage models. KIA Motors America is the marketing arm for Kia Motor Corporation in Korea. In 2009 Kia autos outsold Mazda and Chrysler. Kia's popularity is partly because of consumers wanting more economical cars.

Kia identified design as its major focus. In 2005 they hired Peter Schreyer as Chief Design Officer. He previously worked at Audi designing the Audi TT and Volkswagen. Kia had a neutral image. Driving the down the road it was hard to tell if the car was Japanese or Korean. Since his hiring, he has been key to the complete restyling of Kia cars.

Schreyer created a recognizable face for Kia. He introduced a new corporate grille known as the Tiger Nose. The grille is distinctive and strong. Kia cars are now identifiable at a distance due to the new grille.

Today Kia automobiles are sold all over the world through over 640 dealers. Repairs on your Kia cars can be done at the dealership or by a trusted mechanic. Consumers can save money by purchasing used car parts for their Kia from a salvage yard or on line from a Japanese Import Car company.

Some of the more popular Kia models include:

SEDONA
SORENTO
AMANTI
RONDO
SOUL
MAGENTIS
OPTIMA