This chapter “Kia Motors, From Bikes to Cars: Beginnings to 1996,” outlines the history of Kia Motors between 1944 and 1996. It begins with a section discussing the firm’s early years as a maker of bicycles, licensed Honda motorcycles, and then Mazda-based, three-wheel trucks (1937–1971). This is followed by two sections that chronicle the launch of Kia Industries’ Sohari vehicle plant and its first passenger car (1972–1976), and that examine the firm’s takeover of Asia Motors and temporary loss of its government permit to produce cars (1976–1981). The second half of the chapter reviews how an alliance with Ford Motor of America enabled Kia to re-enter the car business (1982–1987). It then delves into the renamed Kia Motors’ rapid plant expansion period at home and initial efforts to establish an international footprint (1987–1996). The chapter then closes with a summary of the automaker’s growth path through 1996 and a brief assessment of its future at the start of 1997.
Kia Motors, from Bikes to Cars: Beginnings to 1996
The Korean Automotive Industry, Volume 1 ; Chapter : 6 ; 201-237
2021-12-11
37 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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