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Kia's history

  • 70 years of progress and innovation

    HISTORY

    70 years of progress and innovation

History of Kia

  • 2010
    3

    Kia's new midsize sedan Optima is unveiled along with several key new technologies. The Venga receives the red dot Design Award. The Sportage R, a progressive urban CUV, is launched

    2

    Kia's Georgia Plant opens.

  • 2009
    12

    The Venga, a strategic model for Europe, receives the iF Design Award.

    11

    The sub full-size luxury Cadenza sedan is launched.

    10

    Kia Tigers become champions of the Korea Baseball League.

    4

    The Sorento R, a premium sub full size SUV, is launched.

    3

    The Soul becomes Korea's first car to receive a red dot Design Award. Kia Soul and Kia Borrego make Kelly Blue Book's weekly '5 Great Deals' list at KBB.com in the U.S.

  • 2008
    11

    Kia is named Car Company of the Year by Autocar. Kia receives the Presidential Award for exceptional design management.

    9

    The Soul, a new concept CUV, is launched.

    8

    The Forte, a luxury midsize sedan, is launched.

    6

    Kia America opens its new corporate HQ and design center. The Lotze Innovation is launched.

    4

    The cee'd becomes Korea's first car to receive international environmental validation.

    3

    Car Book recommends Kia cars as Best Bets.

    1

    The premium SUV Borrego is launched.

  • 2007
    12

    Kia's second China Plant opens.

    4

    Kia's Slovakia Plant opens.

  • 2006
    11

    Kia is named the winner of Environmental Management Award.

    10

    Construction commences at Kia's Georgia Plant.

    9

    The cee'd, Kia's strategic model for Europe, is unveiled at Paris Motor Show. Design-led management is declared.

    6

    The Rio takes first place in J.D. Power's quality ranking in the sub-compact category.

    1

    The New Sedona is launched.

  • 2005
    7

    The Grand Sedona is launched.

    4

    The New Rio is launched.

    3

    Kia's cumulative exports exceed 5 million units.

  • 2004
    12

    The Sportage receives the Korea Color Design Award.

    11

    Kia receives the 7 Billion Export Tower Award.

    10

    The Hwaseong Plant becomes the first local plant producing passenger cars to receive OHSMS certification.

    8

    Kia ranks first in the Korea Service Quality Index. The New Sportage is launched.

    5

    Kia signs investment agreement for its second plant in China.

    4

    Construction on Kia's Slovakia Plant commences.

  • 2003
    12

    Annual exports of assembled cars exceed 500,000 units.

    11

    The Cerato is launched.

    6

    An initiative to pursue environment-friendly operations globally is declared.

    5

    Kia's globally competitive automotive R&D institute (Namyang R&D Center) opens.

    3

    Cumulative U.S. sales exceed 1 million units. The full size Amanti sedan is launched.

  • 2002
    4

    Total Cumulative production exceeds 10 million units.

    3

    The Sorento is launched.

  • 2001
    11

    Kia receives the Korea Quality Award.

    8

    Kia Tigers professional baseball team is founded.

    5

    The Sedona sets foot in the U.S. market for the first time.