KIA: Interesting Facts You Didn't Know

If you're in the market for a cost-effective vehicle, with efficient gas-milage and performance, KIA is most likely at the top of your list, and rightly so. From their humble inception in South Korea near the end of World War 2, to the present, KIA has endured, persevered, and thrived in the automotive world. With potential new customers and a new logo, many potential customers are probably curious about the South Korean automotive manufacturer. Having said that, here are five facts you may not have known about KIA.

Fact 1: The Meaning Behind The Name

Have you ever thought about what KIA stands for? This isn't uncommon, as even car enthusiasts tend to have no clue. Turns out, KIA is a combination of two hanja characters. "Ki" (起 ) translates to "to rise" while "A" (亞 ) stands for "East". Directly translated, KIA means "Rising From The East"

Fact 2: KIA Used To Produce Parts For Bicycles

Many automotive manufacturers started out in industries that had nothing or little to do with cars, and KIA is no exception. First starting out as "Kyungsung Precision Industry" back in 1944, KIA originally produced parts and steel tubing for bicycles!

Fact 3: KIA Has One Of The Lowest Recall Rates In The Automotive Industry

According to a iseecars.com study, KIA boasts the third lowest recall rate in the entire automotive industry. Only two brands are above KIA; Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, proving that KIA is highly capable and deserving to be hanging out with long-established luxury brands in terms of reliability.

Fact 4: KIA Can't Stop Getting Awarded

KIA has been on a roll, and the world is noticing.  Consistently receiving awards throughout the years, KIA boasts a plethora of accolades. These include:

• Most Depanrable Mass Market Brand by J.D. Power - 3 Years In A Row
• 5 Model-Level US Residual Awards - J.D. Power
• EV6 Named 2023 North American Utility Vehicle Of The Year
• IIHS Top Safety Pick for Sportage, Telluride, Seltos, K5, and other models
• 2018 Motor Trend Car Of The Year for KIA Stinger
• 2023 World Performance Car for KIA EV6
• and much, much more.

Fact 5: Pope Francis Apparently Loves The KIA Soul

Pope Francis, over the years, has been spotted traveling to different countries with none other than a KIA Soul. Whether it be South Korea or the United Arab Emirates, it seems Pope Francis has decided on his mode of transportation. The KIA Soul, or any KIA it seems, can be ridden by anyone. From me, to you, to Pope Francis. In a sense, this is the beauty of KIA. A down-to-earth auto manufacturer, producing fun and affordable cars for anyone, any class, or country.   That's all we have for interesting facts you probably didn't know about KIA! If you already know this information, or have something to add, feel free to comment below! In the meantime, check out our 2023 and 2024 KIA inventory for Safford Brown KIA of Manassas, Virginia.