Company Overview
Kia Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of motor vehicles, recognized for its evolution from a modest producer of bicycles and motorcycles into one of the world’s most prominent automakers. Kia operates as a core entity within the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, combining advanced technology, sustainable innovation, and global reach.
The company’s operations are structured across 3 primary business segments: Recreational Vehicles (RVs), Passenger Cars, and Commercial Vehicles. In addition to vehicle manufacturing, Kia provides leasing solutions, maintenance services, and automotive parts distribution, catering to both individual and fleet customers worldwide.
Kia produces over 1.35 million vehicles annually through its 14 advanced assembly and manufacturing plants located in 8 countries, supported by a network of more than 3,000 dealers and distributors across 172 nations. Its global production ecosystem is complemented by a strong domestic base in South Korea, home to 3 major assembly complexes: Sohari, Hwasung, and Kwangju.
The company’s Namyang R&D Center, employing around 8,000 researchers and engineers, serves as the foundation of Kia’s innovation efforts. Alongside, the Eco-Technology Research Institute near Seoul focuses on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and end-of-life vehicle recycling technologies to promote sustainability. Kia invests approximately 6% of its annual revenue in R&D and maintains international research centers in Japan and Germany to strengthen its technological footprint.
Kia has a strong global presence across more than 190 markets, encompassing regions in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Its network includes manufacturing and distribution operations in countries such as Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, France, the U.K., the U.S., Mexico, and South Africa, among others.
As of December 2023, Kia’s global workforce exceeded 23,000 members, with over 4,000 employees actively engaged in the company’s vehicle subscription and mobility services, reflecting its shift toward flexible, customer-centric mobility solutions.
Facts About KIA Motors
- Kia Motors was founded in December 1944 in Seoul, South Korea, originally as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts.
- The company name “Kia” means “to rise from Asia,” symbolizing its global ambitions.
- Kia is South Korea’s oldest car manufacturer and now operates as part of the Hyundai Motor Group.
- The brand produces vehicles in several countries, including South Korea, the United States, India, and Slovakia.
- Kia’s first passenger car, the Brisa, was produced in 1974 under a partnership with Mazda.
- The company has invested heavily in electric vehicles, launching models like the EV6 and EV9.
- Kia’s global headquarters, the “Kia Global HQ,” is located in Seoul’s Seocho District.
- The company emphasizes sustainable mobility and aims for carbon neutrality by 2045.
- Kia designs most of its global vehicle lineup at its design centers in South Korea, Germany, and the United States.
- The brand’s current slogan, “Movement that inspires,” reflects its shift toward innovative mobility solutions.
History of Kia Motors
- 1944: Founded as Kyungsung Precision Industry, marking the beginning of Kia’s legacy in South Korea’s industrial manufacturing sector.
- 1945: Expanded operations with the establishment of a second production facility in Busan, enhancing its early manufacturing capacity.
- 1952: Officially renamed Kia Industries and introduced Samchully, recognized as Korea’s first domestically produced bicycle.
- 1957: Achieved a technological milestone by installing Korea’s first 1,000-ton press, demonstrating industrial advancement.
- 1962: Entered the automotive sector with the production of the K-360 three-wheeler, signaling Kia’s move into motorized transport.
- 1969: Commenced production of the T-600 truck, strengthening its presence in the commercial vehicle segment.
- 1973: Began manufacturing the Brisa pickup, contributing to the development of Korea’s early automotive industry.
- 1974: Introduced the Brisa passenger car, the nation’s first home-developed automobile, marking a pivotal achievement.
- 1980: Launched production of the Bongo one-ton diesel truck, which became a cornerstone of Kia’s commercial lineup.
- 1986: Started producing the Pride compact car, one of Kia’s most successful global models.
- 1987: Expanded its passenger vehicle range with the Concord midsize sedan, reflecting the company’s growing capabilities.
- 1989: Enhanced manufacturing infrastructure through the opening of the Asan casting plant, supporting large-scale vehicle production.
- 1992: Kia began production of the Sephia, its first fully self-developed passenger car, marking a major step toward engineering independence.
- 1993: The Sportage completed the Paris-Dakar Rally, showcasing Kia’s durability and off-road engineering capabilities.
- 1996: Introduced the new midsize Optima sedan, featuring advanced automotive technologies and refined design improvements.
- 1998: Merged with Hyundai Motor Company, forming the Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s largest automotive alliances.
- 2000: Officially launched the Optima, strengthening Kia’s presence in the global midsize sedan segment.
- 2001: Received the Korea Quality Award and introduced the Elan, recognized as Korea’s first authentic sports car.
- 2002: Achieved a major milestone as total cumulative production exceeded 10 million units
- 2003: Annual exports of assembled vehicles surpassed 500,000 units, reflecting Kia’s expanding international reach.
- 2004: The Sportage received the Korea Color Design Award, emphasizing Kia’s rising reputation for design innovation.
- 2005: Introduced the Grand Sedona, expanding the company’s portfolio in the family and minivan segment.
- 2006: Honored with the Environmental Management Award, recognizing Kia’s focus on sustainable manufacturing.
- 2007: Opened its second manufacturing plant in China, boosting regional production and market share.
- 2008: Named “Car Company of the Year” by Autocar and received the Presidential Award for exceptional design leadership.
- 2009: The Venga won the iF Design Award, solidifying Kia’s global design credibility.
- 2010: The Venga earned the Red Dot Design Award, while Kia launched the Sportage R, a next-generation compact SUV, and opened its Georgia Plant in the United States to expand North American manufacturing.
- 2012: Ranked 87th among Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands, reflecting its growing international prominence.
- 2013: Introduced a social contribution website, reinforcing Kia’s corporate responsibility and community initiatives.
- 2014: Launched the Forte 2015 and New Rio, and was recertified as a Customer-Focused Company for service excellence.
- 2015: Achieved five-star safety ratings for the new Optima and Sportage, won multiple Good Design Awards, and became one of the first automakers to receive a Nevada autonomous driving license.
- 2016: Rolled out major launches including the K7, Niro Hybrid, Sportage, and Optima Plug-in Hybrid, participated in key global auto shows, topped D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, and inaugurated the Mexico production facility while expanding sustainability initiatives.
- 2017: The Sportage and Sorento earned the Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reinforcing Kia’s global commitment to safety, design, and innovation.
(Source: Kia Motors Company Website)
Shareholders Analysis –
Shareholders of Kia Motors (As of the end of 2023)
- Hyundai Motor Company retained a commanding position with 137,318,251 shares, accounting for 16% of the total equity, reaffirming its status as the primary shareholder of the corporation.
- The Employee Stock Ownership Association contributed 9,889,054 shares, amounting to 46%, reflecting the company’s commitment to employee participation and shared growth in ownership.
- The Treasury Stock accounted for 5,837,383 shares, representing 45%, signifying the portion of shares repurchased and held internally by Hyundai for strategic purposes.
- The National Pension Service (NPS) possessed 28,554,484 shares, translating to 10% ownership, underscoring the confidence of South Korea’s leading institutional investor in Hyundai’s long-term value.
- Foreign investors commanded a substantial 151,723,249 shares, equal to 74%, emphasizing strong global investor interest and sustained foreign confidence in the company’s financial stability.
- Other domestic financial institutions and miscellaneous investors collectively owned 68,721,782 shares, contributing 09% to the total shareholding structure, reflecting diversified domestic investment participation.
- In total, Hyundai Motor Company had 402,044,203 shares outstanding, representing a complete 100% ownership distribution among all shareholder categories as of the end of 2023.
(Source: Kia Motors Company Website)
Number of Vehicles Sold by Kia Motors
- In 2023, Kia’s total vehicle sales reached 3,015,762 units. With each vehicle estimated to use about 8 kg of plastic, this leads to a total reduction of approximately 17,491,420 kg, or 17,491 tons, of plastic waste.
- According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the social cost of producing and disposing of the roughly 200 million tons of plastic produced annually is estimated at $3.7 trillion, which translates to $1,850 per ton (approximately KRW 2.41 million).
- By applying this social cost to the plastic waste Kia saves, the resulting social cost savings would amount to approximately KRW 42,153,310,000, or about KRW 42.2 billion.
(Source: Kia Motors Sustainability Report)
Number of Eco-Friendly Vehicles Sold
(Source: Kia Motors Sustainability Report)
Financial Analysis
Group Revenues:
- In 2024, the company recorded KRW 107,449 billion in revenue, marking a 7.7% increase from KRW 99,808 billion in 2023.
- The rise in earnings was primarily driven by strong performance across key markets, including the United States, Korea, and Europe, reflecting steady demand and expanded market presence.
(Source: Kia Motors Annual Report)
Global Production Distribution by Kia Manufacturing Plants (FY 2024)
- Kia recorded a total production volume of 3,033 thousand units in FY 2024, showcasing its robust global manufacturing network and balanced regional output.
- Korea remained the core production center, accounting for 9% of total output with 1,548 thousand units, reinforcing its strategic importance to Kia’s global operations.
- The United States contributed 6%, producing 354 thousand units, driven by sustained consumer demand and expanding local manufacturing capabilities.
- Slovakia represented 5% of total production, with 351 thousand units, solidifying its role in supporting European market requirements.
- The Mexico facility accounted for 9% or 271 thousand units, acting as a vital production hub for North and South American markets.
- India contributed 8%, with 268 thousand units, reflecting growth in emerging economies and rising domestic demand.
- China made up 9% of the total, producing 241 thousand units, ensuring continued participation in the competitive Asian automotive landscape.
(Source: Kia Motors Annual Report)
Business Revenue
- In FY 2024, Kia’s retail sales were primarily driven by the RV segment, which made up 5% of total sales, translating to 2,077 thousand units. This dominance highlights Kia’s strong foothold in the global SUV and crossover market.
- The Passenger vehicle segment accounted for 1%, with 750 thousand units sold, reflecting consistent consumer preference for Kia’s range of compact and mid-sized sedans in key regions.
- The Commercial vehicle segment contributed 4%, amounting to 162 thousand units, demonstrating steady demand within corporate and logistics fleet operations.
(Source: Kia Motors Sustainability Report)
Geographic Revenue
- In FY 2024, Kia achieved a diverse and geographically balanced retail sales performance across its key global markets.
- The United States stood as the top-performing region, capturing 7% of total sales with 796 thousand units, fueled by the rising popularity of SUVs and electric vehicle offerings.
- The Rest of the World contributed 5%, amounting to 791 thousand units, reflecting consistent momentum in developing and high-growth regions.
- Korea accounted for 2% of total sales, with 542 thousand units, supported by robust local demand and the launch of refreshed vehicle lineups.
- Europe represented 8%, totaling 529 thousand units, underscoring Kia’s strengthened foothold in the region’s competitive automotive sector.
- India contributed 2%, or 243 thousand units, demonstrating growing consumer adoption and expansion of Kia’s product portfolio in the Indian market.
- China recorded 7% of total sales, equivalent to 80 thousand units, maintaining a steady yet modest presence amid evolving market conditions.
(Source: Kia Motors Sustainability Report)
Global Ex-Factory Sales Analysis
- Kia’s total ex-factory sales in 2024 reached 3,024 thousand units, with 540 thousand units from Korea, 1,004 thousand units exported, and 1,480 thousand units produced overseas. Overseas contributions included the US (352), China (248), Slovakia (351), Mexico (258), and India (270).
- In 2023, total production stood at 3,064 thousand units, consisting of 566 thousand units from Korea, 1,050 thousand units for export, and 1,448 thousand units from overseas plants, with key outputs from the US (357), China (166), Slovakia (350), Mexico (252), and India (322).
- For 2022, Kia recorded 2,829 thousand units in total, comprising 541 thousand units in Korea, 909 thousand units in exports, and 1,379 thousand units overseas. Overseas production included the US (340), China (127), Slovakia (311), Mexico (265), and India (336).
- In 2021, overall output reached 2,576 thousand units, distributed as 535 thousand units in Korea, 879 thousand units in exports, and 1,162 thousand units overseas. Major overseas facilities contributed to the US (255), China (152), Slovakia (308), Mexico (220), and India (228).
(Source: Kia Motors Company Website)
Fun Facts
- Kia started out making bicycle parts before ever producing a motorized vehicle.
- The company’s first logo looked nothing like today’s sleek design—it resembled a gear with Korean text inside.
- In the 1960s, Kia produced motorcycles and small trucks before entering the car industry.
- The Kia Brisa was the first Korean car exported to other countries.
- Kia once produced military vehicles, including light trucks, for South Korea’s defense sector.
- The brand redesigned its logo in 2021, marking one of the biggest rebranding campaigns in automotive history.
- Kia’s EV6 set a Guinness World Record in 2021 for the shortest charging time to cross the United States.
- Kia’s Telluride SUV became one of the most awarded vehicles in North America since its launch.
- Kia’s manufacturing plant in Georgia can produce over 300,000 vehicles annually.
- The company participates in global sports sponsorships, including the FIFA World Cup and the Australian Open.
Recent Developments
- In August 2025, Kia announced a landmark USD 26 billion investment in the United States, underscoring its long-term dedication to technological innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth across strategic industries.
- In April 2025, the company unveiled its next-generation hybrid powertrain system, designed to deliver enhanced efficiency and performance while expanding its lineup of advanced hybrid vehicles.
- In January 2025, Kia entered into a strategic partnbership with Cloud9, rebranding the esports team as Cloud9 Kia. This collaboration reflects shared values of innovation, excellence, and creativity in the competitive gaming arena.
- In January 2025, Kia also partnered with NVIDIA to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence technologies aimed at advancing next-generation mobility and intelligent vehicle systems.
- In December 2024, the company collaborated with Google to develop next-generation infotainment and navigation platforms, enhancing the in-car digital experience for global customers.
- In November 2024, Kia, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company, introduced the ‘X-ble Shoulder’ wearable robotic device, designed to improve worker productivity and reduce musculoskeletal strain in manufacturing operations.
(Source: Kia Motors Press Releases)
