Kia has opened a new chapter in its remarkable story, celebrating eight decades of innovation, resilience, and mobility leadership with a major anniversary ceremony at Kia Vision Square in Yongin, Korea. The event, attended by 400 guests and the company’s top executives, paid tribute to Kia’s evolution from a small manufacturer of bicycle parts into a global force shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
The anniversary also marked the official opening of a new commemorative exhibition, an expansive heritage showcase revealing Kia’s journey through eight display zones and 17 historically significant vehicles. Together, the ceremony and exhibition form a vivid tribute to the people, products, and pioneering ideas that have moved Kia forward for 80 years.
A celebration of legacy, vision, and the people who shaped them
The anniversary ceremony brought together Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang, Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song, senior leadership, and representatives of Kia’s global workforce.
Euisun Chung reflected on the brand’s journey across eight decades, describing it as “an epic narrative” and expressing gratitude to those who contributed to Kia’s transformation. Ho Sung Song paid homage to the company’s heritage of grit and determination, reaffirming that the same spirit will continue to shape Kia’s future.
Guests were invited to experience Kia’s story not only through speeches but through people. Employees representing the next generation of Kia leadership spoke about their role in carrying the brand’s mission forward. The audience also viewed a commemorative film honouring individuals who played defining roles in Kia’s development, capped by a captivating performance from Kia Ambassador Clara-Jumi Kang, one of the world’s most celebrated violinists.
Vision Meta Turismo: a glimpse into Kia’s future
In a symbolic bridge between past and future, Kia unveiled the Vision Meta Turismo concept car – a bold expression of the brand’s next era of mobility.
Designed as a modern reinterpretation of performance, immersive digital interaction, and elegant spatial design, the concept blends dynamic motion with lounge-like relaxation. Its exterior embodies Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, merging fluid surfaces with technical geometry. Inside, an advanced human-mobility interface elevates driver and passenger engagement through deeply integrated digital technology.
A standout feature is the concept’s next-generation steering wheel and AR Head-Up Display system. The interface offers three digital modes – Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer – each projecting immersive 3D virtual graphics through smart glass. It’s a visionary preview of how Kia intends to elevate the interaction between driver, vehicle, and environment.
Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design, described the Vision Meta Turismo as “an expression of Kia’s commitment to continually bring technologically advanced mobility and experiences that engage, stimulate, and inspire.” Full details of the concept will be revealed in the coming months.
Inside the 80th Anniversary Exhibition: The Legacy of Movement
At the heart of Kia Vision Square, the new exhibition titled The Legacy of Movement offers visitors an immersive journey through 80 years of design, mobility innovation, and cultural impact. Open through 2029, the exhibition spans eight themed zones, each weaving together stories, artefacts, and vehicles that defined their era.
Wheel
Kia’s origin story unfolds with products from its earliest days, including the 3000-Liho bicycle, the K-360 three-wheeler, and the Kia Brisa, the company’s first passenger car.
Evolution
A tribute to customer needs driving innovation, this zone features the dependable Kia Bongo and the all-new PV5, the brand’s first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV).
People
Highlighting leadership and quality, this space spotlights the Kia Sportage and Carnival, two global success stories.
New Road
Documenting Kia’s international expansion, this section includes the Ceed, Cerato R, Sonet, and Telluride.
Identity
Kia’s ascent to a distinctive global brand is explored through icons like the Pride, Soul, and Stinger.
Progress
This modern-era zone showcases Kia’s advanced technologies and sustainability leadership, represented by the high-performance EV6 GT.
Inspiration
A celebration of Kia as a cultural symbol, illustrated through the expressive Kia Soul.
Movement Archive
A sweeping chronicle of 100 models that shaped Kia’s identity under the ‘Movement that Inspires’ philosophy.
Eight decades of defining moments
Kia’s 80-year timeline is a story of unrelenting challenge and evolution. Founded in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, the company began with metal tubing and bicycles before adopting the Kia name in 1952 and unveiling its first mobility product. The establishment of the Sohari Plant in 1973 marked Korea’s first integrated automotive factory.
The introduction of the Brisa in 1974 propelled Kia into four-wheeled mobility, followed by global breakthroughs with the Pride in 1987 and Sportage in 1993. Kia entered a new era in 1997 when it became part of Hyundai Motor Group. This transition paved the way for a bold design-led transformation under Euisun Chung, beginning in 2005 with the adoption of Design Management and the appointment of global design pioneers such as Peter Schreyer.
In 2021, Kia reimagined itself once more, shifting toward sustainable mobility, electric vehicles, PBVs, and software-driven products under its ‘Total Transformation’ strategy.
Linking heritage to the future
Kia’s anniversary is not merely an ode to the past; it is a compass for what comes next. The company is actively connecting its legacy with its future through several global initiatives:
• Kia 80th Anniversary × Artist Oyow – Commemorative artwork by renowned illustrator Oyow
• Kia 80 Years – A 430-page historical publication documenting eight decades of progress
• The Portraits of Kia – A four-episode video series exploring Kia’s heritage through compelling character perspectives
• Movement Archive – A digital platform preserving stories, models, and brand-defining milestones
As Kia steps confidently into its next chapter, its heritage continues to serve as a foundation for bold innovation. Eighty years on, the brand’s enduring spirit of progress promises a future driven by imagination, technology, and a commitment to mobility that inspires.
