Founded in 1944 by Mr. Chul-Ho Kim to manufacture components for bicycles, Kia produced its first two-wheeled vehicle the samcholli-ho, in 1952. This model remains in production for nine years.
In 1961 Kia launches its first motorcycle, the C-100 and three months later than the K-360 scooter. It was not until nine years for Kia launches into automotive manufacturing under the brand Asia Motors in 1971 by assembling the Fiat 124 licensed to market South Korea. In 1973 Kia produced his first gasoline engine for automobiles.
In 1974 Asia Motors Company and Kia Motors is launching the first car of its own design that exports in 1975. Three years later, Kia is launching its first diesel engine in 1976, he started the licensed production of the Fiat 132 and Peugeot 604.
