kia is marking its 80th anniversary with a ceremony and large-scale heritage exhibition at kia Vision Square in Yongin, Korea, celebrating the brand’s evolution from a small Mobility manufacturer to a global automotive and Mobility company.
Senior leadership from Hyundai motor Group and kia attended the December 5 event, alongside around 400 guests. Hyundai motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung says: “kia’s 80-year history has been a remarkable journey, an epic narrative. On behalf of Hyundai motor Group, I extend my gratitude to everyone who has been part of kia’s 80-year legacy.”
kia president and chief executive Ho Sung Song says: “Drawing on the lessons learned from compiling kia’s 80-year history, we will reaffirm the spirit of determination that has driven us since our founding. At the same time, we are committed to preserving and sharing our heritage, including intangible assets, as a driving force for the future.”
The ceremony included speeches from employees, a celebratory film, and a performance by kia ambassador and violinist Clara-Jumi Kang. kia also unveiled a new concept vehicle at the event.
kia revealed the Vision Meta Turismo, a concept showcasing the brand’s direction for future Mobility. The vehicle combines performance-focused driving with a lounge-inspired interior and pays homage to long-distance touring cars of the 1960s. The exterior follows kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, while the interior focuses on immersive digital experiences. A next-generation steering wheel integrates an AR head-up display and offers three digital driving modes – Speedster, Dreamer and Gamer – using smart-glass technology to project virtual graphics above the road.
Karim Habib, executive vice-president and head of kia global Design, says: “The Vision Meta Turismo embodies kia’s vision that integrates dynamic Mobility and human-centered spaces. It is an expression of kia’s commitment to continually bring technologically advanced Mobility and experiences that engage, stimulate, and inspire.”
kia has also opened a major anniversary exhibition titled ‘The Legacy of Movement’, located on the first floor of kia Vision Square. Running until 2029, the display features 17 vehicles, 100 historically significant models and eight themed zones charting the company’s development from its origins as Kyungsung Precision Industry in 1944 through to its latest electrified models.
Exhibition highlights include early Mobility products such as the 3000-Liho bicycle and K-360 three-wheeler; landmark models including the Brisa, Pride and Sportage; and next-generation products such as the EV6 GT and PV5. The Movement Archive zone documents kia’s evolution through eight decades of manufacturing and design.
kia was founded by Kim Cheol-ho and adopted its current name in 1952. It moved into automotive production with the Brisa in 1974 and expanded globally with models such as the Pride and Sportage. In 1997, kia became part of Hyundai motor Group, accelerating its design-led transformation under leaders including Peter Schreyer. The brand relaunched in 2021 with its ‘Total Transformation’ strategy, centred on sustainable Mobility, electric vehicles, PBV models and software-based services.
The anniversary year includes a global campaign featuring commemorative artwork by illustrator Oyow, a 430-page historical publication, a four-episode video series titled The Portraits of kia, and an online heritage platform tracing kia’s 80-year journey.
Automobile Magazine-AU
