Automotive industry in South Korea
Encyclopedia
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
is today among the most advanced automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
-producing countries in the world. Annual domestic output exceeded one million units in 1988. In the 1990s, the industry manufactured numerous in-house models, demonstrating not only its capabilities in terms of design, performance, and technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
, but also signalling its coming of age.
Early beginnings
History of Korean automobile began in August 1955, when Choi Mu-seong, a KoreanKorean people
The Korean people are an ethnic group originating in the Korean peninsula and Manchuria. Koreans are one of the most ethnically and linguistically homogeneous groups in the world.-Names:...
businessman, and two of his brothers(Choi Hae-seong and Choi Soon-seong), mounted a modified and localized jeep engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
on a US military jeep style car body which made with the sheet metal from junk oil drum can and military junk Jeep
Jeep
Jeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler . The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle and sport utility vehicle brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second...
parts to manufacture its first car, called the "Sibal". Translates to new go or new start
New Start
New Start is the debut release from Fastlane, which was released in March, 2005 by Suckapunch Records in the UK, and October, 2005 by Pyropit Records in Japan.-Track listing:# Virus# Eyes Closed# Summer Falls# Dreaming# Elevator...
.
In 1960, Sinjin [in English New beginning] Automobiles launched Sinjin Publica under a technical licensing agreement with Toyota
Toyota Motor Corporation
, , , commonly known simply as Toyota and abbreviated as TMC, is a multinational automaker headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. In 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation employed 317,734 people worldwide, and was the world's largest automobile manufacturer by production.The company was founded by...
. In order to develop the automobile industry, the Korean government announced the "Automobile Industry Promotion Policy" in 1962, and The Automobile Industry Protection Act to protect the infant industry. Foreign automaker
Automaker
The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles, and is one of the world's most important economic sectors by revenue....
s were barred from operating in Korea, except in joint venture
Joint venture
A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets...
s with local business entities. The government's efforts led to companies that were established in other businesses entering the industry, and the formation of new startups. Three companies were established in 1962:
- Kyeongseong Precision Industry, which changed its name to "Kia Industry", and started assembling cars in cooperation with MazdaMazdais a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
in 1964; - Ha Dong-hwan Automobile Industry Co. (the predecessor of SsangYong Motor CompanySsangYong Motor CompanySsangYong Motor Company is the fourth largest South Korean automobile manufacturer. The name SsangYong means double dragons.SsangYong was acquired by India's Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in February 2011, after being named the preferred bidder in 2010 to acquire the bankruptcy-protected company...
); and - Saenara Automobile, established with the technical cooperation of Nissan Motor Co.; it was the first automaker in Korea that was equipped with modern assembly facilities.
The Asia Motors Company
Asia Motors, Ltd
Asia Motors Co. Ltd., founded in 1965, was a South Korean motor vehicle manufacturer of large and medium duty trucks, special military vehicles, lightweight cars, civilian jeeps , motor vehicle components, to include engines, and buses and mini-buses. Kia owned 28.28% of issued stock...
was established in 1965, and the Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is a Korean multinational automaker based in Seoul, South Korea which, along with Kia, comprises the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the world's fourth largest automaker as of 2009. As of 2011, it is the world's fastest growing automaker for two years running...
in 1968 with the technical cooperation of the Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
.
However, all these companies were then merely automotive assemblers, importing parts from overseas partners.
1970s–1980s
In 1970, Toyota began to show hesitation in continuing its relationship with Sinjin Automobiles. After Toyota's withdrawal in 1972, Shinjin entered into a joint venture with General Motors and formed General Motors Korea, which was renamed Saehan Motors in 1976. Kia opened its Sohari Plant in 1973 in GwangmyeongGwangmyeong
Gwangmyeong is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It borders Seoul to the north and northeast, Anyang to the east and south, and Siheung to the southwest.-Districts:There are 18 administrative districts in Gwangmyeong...
, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
.
The Hyundai Pony
Hyundai Pony
The Hyundai Pony , was a small rear-wheel drive automobile produced by the Hyundai Motor Company from 1975 to 1988 .-Background:...
, the first Korean-developed automobile, was built in 1975. Hyundai Motors accomplished this by engaging George Turnbull
George Turnbull
George Turnbull was a Scottish philosopher, theologian, teacher, writer on education and an early but little-known figure in the Scottish Enlightenment. He taught at Marischal College, Aberdeen, worked as a tutor and became an Anglican clergyman...
of British Leyland Motor Corporation
British Leyland Motor Corporation
British Leyland was a vehicle manufacturing company formed in the United Kingdom in 1968 as British Leyland Motor Corporation Ltd . It was partly nationalised in 1975 with the government creating a new holding company called British Leyland Ltd which became BL Ltd in 1978...
as vice-president. The final result was a collaborative effort, comprising:
- design from ItaldesignItaldesign GiugiaroItaldesign-Giugiaro S.p.A is an automobile design and engineering company based in Moncalieri, Italy founded in 1968 by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani as Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A...
; - transmissionTransmission (mechanics)A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
and engine from MitsubishiMitsubishiThe Mitsubishi Group , Mitsubishi Group of Companies, or Mitsubishi Companies is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company that consists of a range of autonomous businesses which share the Mitsubishi brand, trademark and legacy...
; - technology transferTechnology transferTechnology Transfer, also called Transfer of Technology and Technology Commercialisation, is the process of skill transferring, knowledge, technologies, methods of manufacturing, samples of manufacturing and facilities among governments or universities and other institutions to ensure that...
(bodies) from Perkinson; - car body molding from Ogihara Mold Company;
- machine pressMachine pressA machine press, commonly shortened to press, is a machine tool that changes the shape of a workpiece.-Servomechanism:A servomechanism press, also known as a servo press or a electro press, is a press driven by an AC servo motor. The torque produced is converted to a linear force via a ball screw....
from FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
; and - Funds from Barclays Bank and France Suez.
Hyundai chalked up another first when it exported the Pony to the Republic of Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
in 1976, making it the first Korean-developed car to be exported.
In 1982, the Daewoo Group
Daewoo
Daewoo or the Daewoo Group was a major South Korean chaebol . It was founded on 22 March 1967 as Daewoo Industrial and was dismantled by the Korean government in 1999...
gained control of Saehan Motors, and changed its name to Daewoo Motors
Daewoo Motors
The Daewoo Motors was a South Korean car maker established in 1978, part of the Daewoo Group. The company sold most of its assets in 2001 to General Motors after running into financial trouble. The commercial vehicles division was acquired by Tata Motors in 2004.-History:The company was first...
in 1983. However, the Korean automobile industry suffered greatly from the 1979 energy crisis
1979 energy crisis
The 1979 oil crisis in the United States occurred in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Amid massive protests, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, fled his country in early 1979 and the Ayatollah Khomeini soon became the new leader of Iran. Protests severely disrupted the Iranian oil...
, and the consequent local recession
Recession
In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction, a general slowdown in economic activity. During recessions, many macroeconomic indicators vary in a similar way...
. The government took action to resolve this difficult situation in 1982 by implementing the "Automobile Industry Rationalization Policy", the objective of which was to prevent excessive competition between the four major domestic automakers: Hyundai Motors, Kia Industry, General Motors Korea, and Asia Motors. Additionally, the government postponed its import liberalization of automobiles.
Sinjin Automobiles changed its name to Geohwa Co. in 1981, and was taken over by Dong-A Motor Co. in 1985. In 1986, the company was renamed the SsangYong Motor Company.
While localization of auto parts was the major concern during the 1970s, developing mass production
Mass production
Mass production is the production of large amounts of standardized products, including and especially on assembly lines...
system for the export-oriented industry became the issue during 1980s. Hyundai entered the United States market in 1986 with the Excel
Hyundai Excel
The Hyundai Excel , also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Presto and the Mitsubishi Precis, was the first front wheel drive car produced by Hyundai. The Excel was built from 1985 to 1994...
(as the Pony was known there), and set a record for selling the most automobiles in its first year of business in the United States compared with any other car brand — 126,000 vehicles. Fortune
Fortune (magazine)
Fortune is a global business magazine published by Time Inc. Founded by Henry Luce in 1930, the publishing business, consisting of Time, Life, Fortune, and Sports Illustrated, grew to become Time Warner. In turn, AOL grew as it acquired Time Warner in 2000 when Time Warner was the world's largest...
magazine nominated the Excel for the "Best Product 10" award, largely because of its low price. However, the cars were of often low quality and broke down often. This led to Hyundai having a poor reputation in the United States. With this initial success in the export market, the company began in 1989 to produce models, designed in-house and manufactured with its own technology, starting with the Sonata
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car/full-size car manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company. From the sixth generation onwards, it is known as the i45 in the Australian, Singaporean and New Zealand markets...
, a medium-sized sedan. The Sonata, nevertheless, still featured many Mitsubishi designs and parts.
1990s and beyond
Hyundai's cumulative exports to the U.S. exceeded one million in 1990. In 1992 its ScoupeTurbo won at the Pikes PeakPikes Peak
Pikes Peak is a mountain in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, west of Colorado Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County in the United States of America....
Hill Climb Rally
Rallying
Rallying, also known as rally racing, is a form of auto racing that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars...
, and in 1993 its Elantra
Hyundai Elantra
Launched in 1990 , the Elantra received a mid-term facelift in 1993.The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L straight-4 This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 hp at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds...
was selected as the "Best Car of 1993" in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Hyundai's Accent
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent , or Hyundai Verna in South Korea, is a subcompact car produced by Hyundai. In Australia, the first generation models carried over the Hyundai Excel name used by the Accent's predecessor. The Accent was replaced in 2000 by the Hyundai Verna in South Korea, although most...
earned Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
Best Buy Award in 1995, and its Avante also won the Asia-Pacific
Pacific Rim
The Pacific Rim refers to places around the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The term "Pacific Basin" includes the Pacific Rim and islands in the Pacific Ocean...
Rally that year. Yet, amidst all the successes, trouble was brewing for Hyundai.
The Excel, although initially well received, gave Hyundai a bad image, as over time its faults became apparent. Also, in efforts to bring the costs down, its quality and reliability suffered. As time caught up with the poor reputation of Hyundai in the United States, sales dropped drastically, and car dealership
Car dealership
A car dealership or vehicle local distribution is a business that sells new or used cars at the retail level, based on a dealership contract with an automaker or its sales subsidiary. It employs automobile salespeople to do the selling...
s started abandoning their franchises
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
.
Rather than drop out of the world's largest automotive market, Hyundai began investing heavily in the quality, design, manufacturing, and long-term research of its vehicles in 1998, and added a ten-year or 100,000 mile warranty
Warranty
In business and legal transactions, a warranty is an assurance by one party to the other party that specific facts or conditions are true or will happen; the other party is permitted to rely on that assurance and seek some type of remedy if it is not true or followed.In real estate transactions, a...
to its vehicles in the United States. This effort paid dividends for Hyundai, and in 2004 the company tied with Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
for initial brand quality, second in the industry behind Toyota, in a survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates
J.D. Power and Associates
J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm founded in 1968 by James David Power III. The firm conducts surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behavior for industries ranging from cars to marketing and advertising firms. The firm is best known for...
.
Towards the end of the 20th century, however, the industry began to face tremendous pressures at home, with the domestic market growing at under five percent, and greater competition, both locally and abroad. With energy
Energy
In physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity. It is often understood as the ability a physical system has to do work on other physical systems...
waste, air pollution
Air pollution
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere....
, and traffic congestion
Traffic congestion
Traffic congestion is a condition on road networks that occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing. The most common example is the physical use of roads by vehicles. When traffic demand is great enough that the interaction...
becoming more chronic, the Korean government has imposed the heaviest vehicle excise duty
Vehicle excise duty
Vehicle Excise Duty is a vehicle road use tax levied as an excise duty which must be paid for most types of vehicle which are to be used on the public roads in the United Kingdom...
on automobiles and gasoline
Gasoline
Gasoline , or petrol , is a toxic, translucent, petroleum-derived liquid that is primarily used as a fuel in internal combustion engines. It consists mostly of organic compounds obtained by the fractional distillation of petroleum, enhanced with a variety of additives. Some gasolines also contain...
among the major automobile-producing countries. In 1985, the number of vehicles registered in Korea was one million, but by 1995 the total had increased to eight million. In response to these pressures, Korean automakers have become more aggressive in terms of pricing and quality, and begun developing larger cars, and broadening their product ranges to meet diverse customer preferences.
Internal pressures at home have also forced Korean automobile manufacturers to venture aggressively into international markets. In the early 1990s, Daewoo Motors also began to expand heavily throughout the world. Until 1996, its cars were all based on General Motors' models. After the Asian financial crisis that started in 1997, it took over the troubled SUV
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
specialist, SsangYong, in 1998, but ran into financial trouble in 1999.
Asia Motors was completely merged with Kia Motors Company (the new name for Kia Industry, changed in 1990) in 1999. Kia Motors had financial trouble in 1997, and helped push South Korea into the Asian financial crisis. Kia was subsequently acquired by Hyundai Motors in 1998.
Samsung
Samsung
The Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea...
's entry into the automobile industry was also ill-fated. Established in 1994, Samsung Motors started selling cars in 1998, just when South Korea was hit by the Asian financial crisis. Faced with financial difficulties, Samsung sold a seventy percent stake in the company to Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
in September 2000, and the company was renamed Renault Samsung Motors
Renault Samsung Motors
Renault Samsung Motors is a South Korean automobile manufacturer. It was first established as Samsung Motors in 1994 and started selling cars in 1998, just before South Korea was hit by the Asian financial crisis...
.
The purchase of Daewoo Motors
Daewoo Motors
The Daewoo Motors was a South Korean car maker established in 1978, part of the Daewoo Group. The company sold most of its assets in 2001 to General Motors after running into financial trouble. The commercial vehicles division was acquired by Tata Motors in 2004.-History:The company was first...
by General Motors Corporation in 2002, and Hyundai's completion of a one billion
1000000000 (number)
1,000,000,000 is the natural number following 999,999,999 and preceding 1,000,000,001.In scientific notation, it is written as 109....
dollar assembly plant
Factory
A factory or manufacturing plant is an industrial building where laborers manufacture goods or supervise machines processing one product into another. Most modern factories have large warehouses or warehouse-like facilities that contain heavy equipment used for assembly line production...
in Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
in 2005, are two major developments that will further drive the Korean automobile industry to focus on North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, its largest export market. The move to the U.S. makes Hyundai the sixth Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
n automaker to build a U.S. factory, the third foreign maker to pick Alabama, and the sixth automaker to locate in the Southeastern United States
Southeastern United States
The Southeastern United States, colloquially referred to as the Southeast, is the eastern portion of the Southern United States. It is one of the most populous regions in the United States of America....
since 1990. Now opening in 2009 is another U.S. factory that will be a twin to the Alabama factory. It is located in West Point, Ga and will build KIA cars.
1950s
- 1955: Choi Mu-seong, a Korean businessman and two of his brothers mounted an engine on a modified US Army Jeep body and chassis to manufacture the historic model, called "Sibal";
- Sinjin Automobiles founded (precursor of Daewoo Motor);
- Hyundai Civil Works CompanyHyundai Engineering and ConstructionHyundai Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. is a major construction company in South Korea which has carried out projects not only in Korea but around the world. The company was founded by Chung Ju-yung in 1947 as the Hyundai Civil Works Company, and was a major component of the Hyundai Group...
founded by Chung Ju-yungChung Ju-yungChung Ju-yung was a South Korean businessman and the the founder of Hyundai Group.-Early life:Chung Ju-yung was born in Tongchon, Kangwŏn province , during a time when Korea was under Japanese rule. Born to a large impoverished family of peasants, he was the oldest out of six children...
; - Ha Dong-hwan Car Assembly Shop founded.
1960s
- 1960: Sinjin Automobiles launched Sinjin Publica under
- 1961: Government established "Industrial Standardization Act" and announced "Transportation Business Act and Road Traffic Act".
- 1962: Government established "5-Year Automobile Industry Plan", and announced the "Automobile Industry Protection Act";
- Saenara Automobiles founded, in technical cooperation with Nissan Motor Co.;
- Ha Dong-hwan Automobile Industry Co. founded;
- Kyeongseong Precision Industry changed its name to Kia IndustryKia MotorsKia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...
.
- 1963: Sinjin Crown, and Sinsungho launched.
- 1964: Government announced the "Automobile Industry Comprehensive Promotion Plan";
- Kia Industry produced MazdaMazdais a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
models under licensing; - Kia T-600 Triple Truck launched.
- Kia Industry produced Mazda
- 1965: Government announced "3-Year Automobile Localization Plan", with a goal to achieve 90% local content by 1967;
- Asia Motors Co. established;
- Sinjin Automobiles took over Saenara Automobiles.
- 1966: Sinjin Corona, Sinjin Truck, and Sinjin Ace launched.
- 1967: Government announced the "Automobile Plant Permission Standards".
- 1968: Hyundai Motor Co. founded, and established licensing agreement with Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor CompanyFord Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
;- Hyundai Cortina, Hyundai Ford 20M, Hyundai Ford D-series, and Hyundai Ford DK-Series launched.
- 1969: Government announced "Basic Plan for Automobile Industry Promotion".
1970s
- 1970: Sinjin New Crown, Hyundai 0303 Benz bus, Kia Titan, and Kia Boxer launched;
- Toyota showed hesitation in continuing with Sinjin Automobiles.
- 1972: Sinjin Automobiles joint-ventured with General Motors to form GM Korea, and launched ChevroletChevroletChevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
1700, based on Holden ToranaHolden ToranaThe Holden Torana is a car which was produced by General Motors–Holden's , the Australian subsidiary of General Motors from 1967 to 1980. The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "to fly". The first Torana appeared in 1967 and was a four-cylinder compact vehicle that had its origins in the...
model;- Kia Brisa (1974–1982) (K303) launched, based on Mazda FamiliaMazda FamiliaMazda's automotive plans for the early sixties consisted of growing alongside the Japanese economy. To achieve this goal, they began by building an extremely cheap Kei car, the R360 in 1960, planning on introducing gradually larger and pricier cars as the Japanese customers became able to afford them...
model; - Kia KB truck launched, based on Hino truck model;
- Sinjin Automobiles launched JeepJeepJeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler . The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle and sport utility vehicle brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second...
under licensing from American Motors; - Daewoo BF101 truck, and Daewoo BV101 bus launched, based on IsuzuIsuzu, is a Japanese car, commercial vehicle and heavy truck manufacturing company, headquartered in Tokyo. In 2005, Isuzu became the world's largest manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks. It has assembly and manufacturing plants in the Japanese city of Fujisawa, as well as in the prefectures...
truck model.
- Kia Brisa (1974–1982) (K303) launched, based on Mazda Familia
- 1973: Kyeongbu Highway opened;
- Hyundai New Cortina launched.
- Kia opens the Sohari Plant in GwangmyeongGwangmyeongGwangmyeong is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It borders Seoul to the north and northeast, Anyang to the east and south, and Siheung to the southwest.-Districts:There are 18 administrative districts in Gwangmyeong...
.
- 1974: Government set goal of half a million vehicles to be built annually, with the announcement of the "Automobile Industry Promotion Plan";
- Sinjin Automobiles joint-ventured with American Motors on 50-50 basis to form Sinjin Jeep Company;
- GM Korea Rekord, based on Opel RekordOpel RekordThe Opel Rekord was a large family car/executive car which was built in several generations by the German car manufacturer Opel.-Naming:The Rekord name evolved into the main name of the model; at first the name was used in close relationship with the Opel Olympia name, which pre-dated the Rekord...
, launched.
- 1975: Government established "Systematization Promotion Act" for medium and small enterprises in automobile industry;
- Hyundai Motor Co. established its own research institute, and produced Hyundai Pony, the first Korean-developed car, designed by ItalDesign and based on Mitsubishi technology;
- GM Korea's Camina launched, based on Holden ToranaHolden ToranaThe Holden Torana is a car which was produced by General Motors–Holden's , the Australian subsidiary of General Motors from 1967 to 1980. The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "to fly". The first Torana appeared in 1967 and was a four-cylinder compact vehicle that had its origins in the...
.
- 1976: Hyundai Motor made Korean history by exporting the "Pony" to the Republic of Ecuador;
- Kia Industry took over Asia Motors Co.;
- GM Korea changed its name to Saehan Automobiles, and produced Saehan Gemini (based on Opel KadettOpel KadettThe Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel between 1937 and 1940, and then again from 1962 until 1991 , when it was replaced by the Opel Astra.-Original model :...
and Isuzu GeminiIsuzu GeminiGeneral Motors sought a replacement for their world car T-body Kadett / Gemini, and this time, instead of building one design on several continents, they decided to build a world car in one location and export it to several continents...
models), and Saehan Elf (based on Isuzu ElfIsuzu ElfThe is a light duty truck produced by Isuzu. Outside Japan it is known as N-series.The range was primarily available in Japan, Hong Kong and some other Asian countries, and since the late 1980s, also in the United States, Chile, Colombia , and Peru The is a light duty truck produced by Isuzu....
); - Hyundai truck launched, based on a Mitsubishi FusoMitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus CorporationThe Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation is a German-owned, Japan-based manufacturer of trucks and buses. It is headquartered in Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan. This company is one of the World's largest truck manufacturers...
model; Hyundai HD1000, and Hyundai Vison also launched.
- 1977: Ha Dong-hwan Automobiles changed its name to Dong-A-Motors.
- 1978: Hyundai Ford Cortina Mark IV, Hyundai Ford Cortina Mark V, and Hyundai Ford Granada launched;
- Saehan Rekord and Saehan Royale Salon, both based on Opel Rekord, also launched.
- 1979: Shinjin Jeep Motor Co. changed its name to Shinjin Motor Company as the company became a domestic corporation;
- Kia Bongo truck launched.
1980s
- 1980: Government announced integration of automobile industry.
- 1981: Sinjin Automobiles changed its company name to Geohwa Company.
- 1982: Hyundai Pony II and Hyundai FBHyundai FBThe Hyundai FB is a range of front engine bus built by Hyundai Motor Company.They are commonly referred to as "FB" spelling in your Front engine Bus....
buses, Kia Bongo van launched. - 1983: Saehan Automobiles changed its name to Daewoo Motor, with partner General Motors;
- Daewoo Royale series launched;
- Hyundai StellarHyundai StellarThe Hyundai Stellar was a mid-size rear-wheel drive automobile that was produced by the Hyundai Motor Company. The Stellar was launched in July 1983. The Stellar was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, but the chassis from the Cortina Mk V was kept.-Technology:The engine and transmission were licensed...
launched; - Hyundai Motors established Hyundai Auto Canada Inc.;
- Geohwa's Korando launched.
- 1984: Hyundai Pony-Excel, and Hyundai Presto launched;
- Asia Combi launched.
- 1985: Ministry of Commerce and Industry postponed import liberalization of automobiles;
- Dong-A Motor Co. took over Geohwa Co.;
- Kia Besta launched;
- Number of vehicles registered in South Korea exceeded one million.
- 1986: Government designated automobile industry for rationalization, based on the "Industry Development Act";
- Government revised the "Road Transportation & Vehicle Act, and other related regulations;
- Dong-A Motor Co. took over Geohwa Co. and renamed it Ssangyong Motor Co.;
- Hyundai ExcelHyundai ExcelThe Hyundai Excel , also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Presto and the Mitsubishi Precis, was the first front wheel drive car produced by Hyundai. The Excel was built from 1985 to 1994...
, and Hyundai Presto AMX Model, launched and exported to United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
; - Hyundai Excel nominated by Fortune magazine for the "Best Product 10" award;
- Daewoo Le Mans, based on Opel KadettOpel KadettThe Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel between 1937 and 1940, and then again from 1962 until 1991 , when it was replaced by the Opel Astra.-Original model :...
, launched.
- 1987: Government cancelled "Automobile Industry Rationalization Plan";
- Government introduced import liberalization of commercial vehicles between 1,000 and 2,000 c.c.;
- Transportation Ministry revised "Enforcement Decree of the Automobile Management Act";
- Kia Pride, Kia ConcordKia ConcordThe Kia Concord is a four-door sedan produced by South Korea's Kia Motors from 1987. Its two foremost competitors were the Daewoo Royale and Hyundai Sonata. All versions used Mazda four cylinder engines. The Capital/Concord lineup underwent a series of facelifts, eventually becoming the "New...
, Asia Topic, and Kia Jumbo Titan launched; - Hyundai Truck (new model), Hyundai Grace, Hyundai PorterHyundai PorterThe Hyundai Porter , also known as the Hyundai H-100, is a pickup truck produced and built by the Hyundai Motor Company.-First Generation :...
, and Hyundai MightyHyundai MightyThe Hyundai Mighty is a line of light-duty commercial vehicle by Hyundai Motor Company. The range was primarily available in Korea and some other countries....
launched, based on Mitsubishi DelicaMitsubishi DelicaThe Mitsubishi Delica is a range of trucks and multi-purpose vehicles built by Mitsubishi Motors since 1968. It was originally based on a small pickup truck introduced the previous year, also called the Delica, its name a contraction of the English language phrase Delivery car...
, Mitsubishi Canter, and FusoFusoFuso or Fusō may refer to:* Fusō is the Japanese pronunciation of the word Fusang , an ancient naming for Japan.* Japanese ironclad warship Fusō, a cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy that fought in the Battle of Yalu River...
model.
- 1988: Annual domestic automobile production volume exceeded one million units;
- Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) established;
- HyundaiHyundaiHyundai ) is a global conglomerate company, part of the Korean chaebol, that was founded in South Korea by one of the most famous businessmen in Korean history: Chung Ju-yung...
named "Official Car" in Seoul Olympic1988 Summer OlympicsThe 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics...
; - Hyundai ChorusHyundai ChorusThe Hyundai Chorus is a minibus built by Hyundai Motor Company. The range was primarily available as tourist buses.Most models of the bus are distinguishable by a front 'Chorus' badge, but the common Hyundai badge is usually used on the rear....
and Hyundai Sonata (new model) launched; - SsangYong Korando family launched.
- 1989: Hyundai Motor completed construction of its plant in BromontBromontBromont may mean:* The municipality of Bromont, Quebec* The ski resort of Ski Bromont* The mountain, Mont Brome* The lake, Lac Bromont...
, Canada;- Hyundai Sonata launched, using in-house design, but still featuring Mitsubishi technology;
- 3Gen from Hyundai ExcelHyundai ExcelThe Hyundai Excel , also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Presto and the Mitsubishi Precis, was the first front wheel drive car produced by Hyundai. The Excel was built from 1985 to 1994...
, Hyundai PorterHyundai PorterThe Hyundai Porter , also known as the Hyundai H-100, is a pickup truck produced and built by the Hyundai Motor Company.-First Generation :...
1.25 ton launced; - Kia Capital and Kia Wide-Bongo launched, along with Kia Motors's import model, Mercury SableMercury SableThe Sable was a very important sedan for both Mercury and the American auto industry.Ford had lagged in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against General Motors' Chevrolet Citation and its best-selling Chevrolet Celebrity/Pontiac 6000/Oldsmobile Cutlass/Buick Century quartet as...
.
1990s
- 1990: Hyundai's cumulative exports to the U.S. surpassed 1 million in 1990;
- Kia Industry changed its name to Kia Motors Co.;
- Hyundai ScoupeHyundai ScoupeThe Hyundai Scoupe is a 2-door coupé based on the Hyundai Excel. The name, a portmanteau of "sporty" and "coupe," was pronounced "scoop". In the UK and other countries it is known as an "S Coupé". It was sold in the United States from 1991 through 1995...
, and Hyundai ElantraHyundai ElantraLaunched in 1990 , the Elantra received a mid-term facelift in 1993.The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L straight-4 This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 hp at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds...
launched.
- 1991: Hyundai Sonata (new model) launched;
- Kia New Besta and Kia Towner launched;
- Daewoo PrinceDaewoo PrinceThe Daewoo Prince is mid-size luxury car that was produced by Daewoo in South Korea between 1991 and 1997. The car was based on the rear-wheel drive Opel Rekord E, although the body was of Daewoo design, as opposed to the Opel-designed, Holden-manurfactured body of the Prince's Royale predecessor....
, Daewoo Brougham, Daewoo TicoDaewoo TicoThe Daewoo Tico is a city car produced by the Korean automaker Daewoo from 1991 to 2001.The Tico was based on the 1988 Suzuki Alto. The car was equipped with a three-cylinder 796 cc S-TEC engine and had a five-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic transmission. The Tico was...
, Daewoo Damas, and Daewoo LeMans (new model) launched.
- 1992: Hyundai ScoupeHyundai ScoupeThe Hyundai Scoupe is a 2-door coupé based on the Hyundai Excel. The name, a portmanteau of "sporty" and "coupe," was pronounced "scoop". In the UK and other countries it is known as an "S Coupé". It was sold in the United States from 1991 through 1995...
(new model) launched; ScoupeTurbo won at the "Pikes Peak Hill Climb Rally";- Kia SephiaKia SephiaThe Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003. The name "Sephia" is an acronym of these words: "style", "elegant", "powerful", "hi-tech", "ideal", and "auto"....
, and Kia PotentiaKia PotentiaThe Kia Potentia is a full-size semi-luxury four-door rear wheel drive sedan manufactured by Kia Motors to compete with the Daewoo Arcadia and Hyundai Grandeur and marketed in South Korea. This car was based on the Mazda 929. The style of the 929 was particularly apparent in the 1990 model...
launched.
- Kia Sephia
- 1993: Hyundai ElantraHyundai ElantraLaunched in 1990 , the Elantra received a mid-term facelift in 1993.The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L straight-4 This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 hp at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds...
(new model launched), and was selected "Best Car of 1993" in Australia;- Kia named "Official Car" for DaejeonDaejeonDaejeon is South Korea's fifth largest metropolis and the provincial capital of Chungnam. Located in the center of the country, Daejeon had a population of over 1.5 million in 2010. It is at the crossroads of Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway. Within the...
ExpoTrade fairA trade fair is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities...
.
- Kia named "Official Car" for Daejeon
- 1994: Samsung Motors founded.
- The Kia brand launched in the United States
- 1995: Number of vehicles registered in South Korea exceeded eight million;
- Hyundai's Accent earned "Canadian Best Buy Award", and also won the "Asia-Pacific" Rally;
- First Seoul International Motor Show.
- 1997: Kia Motors went into financial trouble, and helped push South Korea into the Asian financial crisis.
- 1998: Hyundai began investing heavily in quality, design, manufacturing, and long-term research, and added a 10-year or 100,000 mile warranty to its vehicles in the United States;
- Samsung Motors started selling cars;
- 51% of Kia Motors acquired by Hyundai Motor;
- Daewoo Motors took over the troubled SUV specialist, SsangYong
- 1999: Asia Motors completely merged with Kia Motors Company.
2000s
- 2000: Samsung sold a 70% stake in Samsung Motors to RenaultRenaultRenault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
, and the company was renamed Renault Samsung MotorsRenault Samsung MotorsRenault Samsung Motors is a South Korean automobile manufacturer. It was first established as Samsung Motors in 1994 and started selling cars in 1998, just before South Korea was hit by the Asian financial crisis...
.- Daewoo Motors divests of SsangYong Motor Company
- 2002: Major assets of Daewoo Motors acquired by General Motors. The new company was named GM DaewooGM DaewooGM Korea Company is South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer and is a division of the General Motors Company. GM Korea's roots go back to the former Daewoo which was split from its parent company, Daewoo Group, in 2001...
. - 2004: Hyundai tied with Honda for initial brand quality, second in the industry behind Toyota, in a survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.
- Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) acquires 49% of SsangYong Motor CompanySsangYong Motor CompanySsangYong Motor Company is the fourth largest South Korean automobile manufacturer. The name SsangYong means double dragons.SsangYong was acquired by India's Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in February 2011, after being named the preferred bidder in 2010 to acquire the bankruptcy-protected company...
.
- Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) acquires 49% of SsangYong Motor Company
- 2005: Hyundai completed construction of its $1 billion assembly plant in Montgomery, AlabamaMontgomery, AlabamaMontgomery is the capital of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located on the Alabama River southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. As of the 2010 census, Montgomery had a population of 205,764 making it the second-largest city...
;- GM Daewoo vehicles were exported under various GM brands (and Suzuki), but mostly as ChevroletChevroletChevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
s
- GM Daewoo vehicles were exported under various GM brands (and Suzuki), but mostly as Chevrolet
- 2011: GM Daewoo renamed itself to GM Korea, and in March, all GM Daewoo products are sold in South Korea as Chevrolets.
Asia Motors passenger cars
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Hyundai passenger cars
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Hyundai Grandeur The New Grandeur and the third generation of the Mitsubishi Debonair were the products of a joint development between Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi was responsible for the powertrain, and Hyundai was responsible for the body and trim design... Hyundai i10 The Hyundai i10 is a 5-door hatchback subcompact produced by the Hyundai Motor Company. It was launched in October 2007, replacing the Hyundai Atos in some markets.The i10 is produced in India at Hyundai's Chennai plant for the domestic and export markets... Hyundai i20 The Hyundai i20 is a supermini/subcompact car, made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 and went on the sale in December 2008 in India to fit between the i10 and i30. It is a front-wheel drive car, and is available in three and five door versions. The i20 replaces the Getz in most... Hyundai i30 The Hyundai i30 is a small family car by South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company. The i30 shares its platform with the Kia cee'd, available as a five-door hatchback or estate, with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, either with manual or automatic transmissions.The i30 wagon is... Hyundai Pony The Hyundai Pony , was a small rear-wheel drive automobile produced by the Hyundai Motor Company from 1975 to 1988 .-Background:... Hyundai Scoupe The Hyundai Scoupe is a 2-door coupé based on the Hyundai Excel. The name, a portmanteau of "sporty" and "coupe," was pronounced "scoop". In the UK and other countries it is known as an "S Coupé". It was sold in the United States from 1991 through 1995... Hyundai Sonata The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car/full-size car manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company. From the sixth generation onwards, it is known as the i45 in the Australian, Singaporean and New Zealand markets... Hyundai Stellar The Hyundai Stellar was a mid-size rear-wheel drive automobile that was produced by the Hyundai Motor Company. The Stellar was launched in July 1983. The Stellar was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, but the chassis from the Cortina Mk V was kept.-Technology:The engine and transmission were licensed... |
Hyundai SUVs and vans
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Hyundai Starex The Hyundai Starex is a van built by the Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea andIndonesia.First generation models were known in Europe as the Hyundai H-1 and as the Hyundai H200 in the Netherlands... Hyundai Terracan The Hyundai Terracan is a SUV that was produced by Hyundai Motor Company from 2001 to 2007. It was based on the Hyundai Highland concept . The target market for the Terracan mainly consisted of middle aged people looking for a cheaper alternative to other urban SUV's such as the Ford Explorer... Hyundai Trajet The Hyundai Trajet ) is a 7-seater multi-purpose vehicle that is manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company... Hyundai Tucson The Hyundai Tucson , or ix35 in Europe, or Hyundai JM in Japan, is a compact crossover SUV built and marketed by the Hyundai Motor Corporation. In Hyundai's lineup, the Tucson fits below the Santa Fe and Veracruz.... Hyundai Veracruz The Hyundai Veracruz is a crossover SUV produced by Hyundai from 2006. The Veracruz is sold in the United States, Canada, South Korea, China, Dominican Republic, Brazil, and the Middle East.- History :... |
Hyundai commercial vehicles
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Hyundai Aero Town The Hyundai Aero Town is a medium-duty bus built by Hyundai Motor Company. It is primarily available as tourist buses.Externally it is distinguishable by a front 'Aero Town' badge, but the common Hyundai badge is usually used on the rear.... Hyundai Aero City The Hyundai Aero City is a heavy-duty bus built by Hyundai Motor Company and primarily used as a city and intercity bus. It is distinguishable by a front 'Aero City' badge, but the common Hyundai badge is usually on the rear.... Hyundai Aero The Hyundai Aero is a large coach built by the Hyundai Motor Company. Its primary use is as a tourist bus.It is distinguishable by a front 'Aero' badge by Aero Space, Aero Express, and Aero Queen, but the common Hyundai badge is usually used on the rear.In Japan, Asia-Pacific, Mid-East, Africa,... Hyundai RB The Hyundai RB is a series of rear engine bus manufactured by the South Korean Hyundai Motor Company.Most models of the bus are distinguishable by a rear engine, at bus model is commonly referred to as "RB" spelling in your Rear engine Bus, but the common Hyundai badge is usually used on the... Hyundai FB The Hyundai FB is a range of front engine bus built by Hyundai Motor Company.They are commonly referred to as "FB" spelling in your Front engine Bus.... |
Kia passenger cars
Kia Motors Group:
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Kia Potentia The Kia Potentia is a full-size semi-luxury four-door rear wheel drive sedan manufactured by Kia Motors to compete with the Daewoo Arcadia and Hyundai Grandeur and marketed in South Korea. This car was based on the Mazda 929. The style of the 929 was particularly apparent in the 1990 model... Kia Sephia The Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003. The name "Sephia" is an acronym of these words: "style", "elegant", "powerful", "hi-tech", "ideal", and "auto".... |
Kia Motor Group:
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Kia Optima The Kia Optima is a mid-size four-door sedan manufactured by Kia Motors since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002... Kia Rio The Kia Rio is a series of subcompact automobiles produced by Kia Motors since August 2000. Two generations have been produced, both in five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, all equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive... Kia Soul The Kia Soul is a compact car designed at Kia's design center in California, unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, manufactured in South Korea and marketed globally beginning with model year 2010.... Kia Spectra The Kia Spectra is a compact car produced by Kia Motors between 2000 and 2009.- First generation :- Second generation :... Kia Venga The Kia Venga is a mini MPV produced by the South Korean automakers Kia Motors and Hyundai Motors, having debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Venga is built on the same platform as the Hyundai i20, Hyundai ix20, and Kia Soul.... |
Kia SUVs and vans
Kia Motors Group:
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Kia Retona The Kia Retona is a small 3-door SUV based on Kia's military jeeps. The name is a portmanteau of Return to Nature. The Retona had been used the same platform as the first generation Kia Sportage Convertible.Its competitors included the Lada Niva, Suzuki Jimny and the SsangYong Korando.... Kia Sorento The Kia Sorento is a mid-size crossover SUV produced since 2002 by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors.- First generation :... Kia Sportage The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV built by the Korean automaker Kia Motors since July 1993.- First generation :... |
Kia commercial vehicles
Kia Motors Group:
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Kia Combi The Kia Combi was a series of mini-buses built from 1983 until October 2002 by Asia Motors, and later Kia Motors. Asia Motors has been partially owned by Kia since 1976.... |
Hyundai Motor Group:
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Kia Combi The Kia Combi was a series of mini-buses built from 1983 until October 2002 by Asia Motors, and later Kia Motors. Asia Motors has been partially owned by Kia since 1976.... |
GM Daewoo passenger cars
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Daewoo Magnus The Daewoo Magnus is a mid-size sedan developed and manufactured by Daewoo Motors until its purchase by General Motors, and now built for GM Daewoo Auto & Technology by Daewoo Incheon Motor Company at its Bupyeong facility in South Korea. GM Daewoo and other GM divisions, as well as GMDAT stake... Daewoo Matiz -M100 :The production of Daewoo Matiz started in 1998 and it was sold in South Korea and many European markets with the code name M100. The exterior design is based on the Lucciola, a Fiat Cinquecento concept by Italdesign Giugiaro which had been rejected by Fiat. The 0.8-litre gasoline engine and... Daewoo Nexia The Daewoo LeMans/Racer is a subcompact car, first manufactured by Daewoo Motors in South Korea between 1986 and 1994. It was replaced by the facelifted Daewoo Cielo—a car mechanically identical to the LeMans, differentiated only by its modified styling cues... Daewoo Nubira The Daewoo Nubira is a compact car produced by South Korean automaker Daewoo Motors from 1997 to 2008.The first generation car, model J100, was released to the market in 1997 as Daewoo Nubira, and it was sold until 1999. It was developed as a replacement for the GM T platform-based Daewoo Nexia and... Daewoo Prince The Daewoo Prince is mid-size luxury car that was produced by Daewoo in South Korea between 1991 and 1997. The car was based on the rear-wheel drive Opel Rekord E, although the body was of Daewoo design, as opposed to the Opel-designed, Holden-manurfactured body of the Prince's Royale predecessor.... Daewoo Tico The Daewoo Tico is a city car produced by the Korean automaker Daewoo from 1991 to 2001.The Tico was based on the 1988 Suzuki Alto. The car was equipped with a three-cylinder 796 cc S-TEC engine and had a five-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic transmission. The Tico was... |
Tata Daewoo commercial vehicles
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SsangYong Passenger Cars
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SsangYong Chairman SsangYong renamed pre-2008 Chairman model as Chairman H to differentiate from Chairman W. Chairman H kept same exterior, interior, engine, transmission and features as the previous models... SsangYong Korando The SsangYong Korando is a small SUV produced from 1983–2006 and from 2010-onwards. The name Korando is a contraction of "Korea Can Do".-First generation:... SsangYong Istana The SsangYong Istana is a 2, 9, 12 and 15 seat van based on the Mercedes-Benz MB100 'Bus' variant. It comes with most of the options of the MB100 as well.-References:... SsangYong Actyon The SsangYong Actyon is a series of compact crossover SUV that replaced the SsangYong Korando and SsangYong Musso Sports and is available as either Coupe Sports or Sports Utility Truck .... |
SsangYong Commercial Vehicles
- IstanaSsangYong IstanaThe SsangYong Istana is a 2, 9, 12 and 15 seat van based on the Mercedes-Benz MB100 'Bus' variant. It comes with most of the options of the MB100 as well.-References:...
- SY Truck
- TranstarSsangYong TranstarThe SsangYong Transtar is a luxury coach made using components derived from Mercedes-Benz buses. It is available in three trim levels: luxury express bus, express bus and tourist express bus. The bus is very popular in South Korea and former Soviet nations...
Samsung Vehicles
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See also
- Hyundai Motor CompanyHyundai Motor CompanyHyundai Motor Company is a Korean multinational automaker based in Seoul, South Korea which, along with Kia, comprises the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the world's fourth largest automaker as of 2009. As of 2011, it is the world's fastest growing automaker for two years running...
- Kia MotorsKia MotorsKia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...
- GM Korea
- Saehan MotorSaehan MotorThe Saehan Motor Company was a South-Korean car maker founded in 1976, part of the Saehan Corporations, which was born on the collaboration of Shinjin Industrial Company and the will of General Motors to introduce their products on the South Korean market...
- Tata Daewoo Commercial VehicleTata Daewoo Commercial VehicleTata Daewoo is a commercial vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea and owned by Tata Motors. It is the second-largest heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer in South Korea....
- SsangYong Motor CompanySsangYong Motor CompanySsangYong Motor Company is the fourth largest South Korean automobile manufacturer. The name SsangYong means double dragons.SsangYong was acquired by India's Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in February 2011, after being named the preferred bidder in 2010 to acquire the bankruptcy-protected company...
- Samsung Motors
- Asia Motors, LtdAsia Motors, LtdAsia Motors Co. Ltd., founded in 1965, was a South Korean motor vehicle manufacturer of large and medium duty trucks, special military vehicles, lightweight cars, civilian jeeps , motor vehicle components, to include engines, and buses and mini-buses. Kia owned 28.28% of issued stock...
- CT&T UnitedCT&T UnitedCT&T United is the world's largest manufacturer of battery electric vehicles including the eZone Medium Speed Vehicle and cZone low-speed vehicle based in South Korea...
External links
- "Made in Korea", Brief History of Korean Automobiles
- Korean Automotive Industry in Transition, from DSpaceDSpaceDSpace is an open source software package that provides the tools for management of digital assets, and is commonly used as the basis for an institutional repository. It supports a wide variety of data, including books, theses, 3D digital scans of objects, photographs, film, video, research data...
at MIT - ASIATalk Articles, including one on the Korean auto industry