Thanksgiving is only a couple of days around the corner – a day to express gratitude, indulge in that third helping of corn casserole, and most importantly, decide on what conversation topics you want to bring to the dinner table. Based on the makeup of your family, this could be a trickier proposition than you might think.
Here at Savage Kia, we can’t confirm nor deny whether the effects of tryptophan are in fact overblown. But we can help you entertain your family with five little-known facts about Kia, the former bicycle shop that has evolved into one of the largest, most acclaimed auto manufacturers in the world.
The Name Game
Kia’s name stems from a pair of Sino-Korean characters that translate to “arise” and “Asia.” Thus, Kia itself roughly translates to “Rising from Asia.” Kia has indeed risen from humble origins, as they currently stand as the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea, trailing only their parent company Hyundai. In 2019, Kia’s sales figures topped 2.8 million vehicles.
It’s not often that three simple letters are able to get an entire point across, but Kia is the proud exception that’s able to convey inherent automotive quality in just two syllables.
Started on Two Wheels
Founded on June 9,1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, Kia started out as manufacturers of steel tubing and bicycle parts. The company’s first breakthrough, in 1951, was the Samchuly – Korea’s first domestic bicycle.
In the following year, Kyungsung Precision Industry became Kia Industries. Soon after, they shifted their attention towards manufacturing vehicles. They produced motorcycles under a Honda license in 1957, and then trucks under a Mazda license in 1962. Kia’s first fully-integrated vehicle assembly plant, the Sohari Plant, opened its doors in 1973.
Military Truck Manufacturing
During the early 1980s, Kia started producing military equipment due to a military coup in the South Korean government, which forced many manufacturers to shift their focus towards military production. As a result, Kia temporarily halted making consumer vehicles and focused on creating military trucks.
While Kia eventually returned to manufacturing consumer automobiles, their military commitments have continued in one form or another. Even today, they still supply trucks to the South Korean military.
Explosive Debut for the New Logo
When Kia announced its new logo in 2021, it was meant as a companion to its rhythmic new slogan “movement that inspires.” Although the logo was met with a smattering of criticism (it’s not “KN,” no matter how many times your eyes try to tell you otherwise), the intricate ceremony Kia held to unveil it overflowed with confidence. In conjunction with the announcement, Kia celebrated with a unique fireworks show that displayed the new Kia logo in the sky.
Debate about the logo may continue – at least as it eases into adolescence and familiarity – but you can’t deny that Kia kicked off the new era with a bang. In fact, Kia set a new Guinness World Record during the unveiling for “most unmanned aerial vehicles launching fireworks simultaneously.”
The Pope is Down with Kia
The Vatican may be in the midst of making the switch to electric, but if the Pope had his way, Kia would probably be his permanent ride of choice. Pope Francis has been known to frequently travel in a Popemobile-outfitted Kia Soul. Contrary to popular belief, the Popemobile is not a single, fixed vehicle; rather, it changes manufacturers and models throughout the year. But in the Kia Soul, the Pope may have discovered his preference.
Be a Part of Kia’s Future
While Kia’s past is brimming with interesting factoids, its future is constantly in the midst of being written. With Kia’s recent focus on sustainability, hybrids, and EV’s, electric seems to be the path forward for the enterprising company. But regardless of which direction the company chooses to travel, there’s a place for you in Kia’s future.
At Savage Kia, we’ve got everything you need to drive into the new year in style. Whether you’re looking to buy new or pre-owned, or are in need of new tires or an oil change, Reading’s premier Kia dealership is here to keep you in the driver’s seat of your own destiny.
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