Kia is a Korean automaker that makes a full line of cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Hyundai is its parent company, owning roughly 34% of Kia. Like Hyundai, Kia vehicles are highly competitive in their respective vehicle segments and offer shoppers a value buy in many segments.
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Who Makes Kia Cars?
Kia was founded in 1944 making bicycle parts, then whole bikes in 1952. It started producing motorcycles in 1962 then small trucks in 1969. It began producing the Brisa compact car internationally in 1974, then it entered the US market with the Sephia in 1994. In 1997, Kia experienced financial troubles, and then in 1998, Hyundai purchased a majority stake in Kia. From the 2000s onward, Hyundai Motor Group consolidated production so that many Hyundai and Kia vehicles were built on the same platform. This strategy continues to this day.
