Kia has marked its 80th anniversary with a ceremony at Kia Vision Square in Yongin, Korea, attended by approximately 400 guests including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Kia President and Chief Executive Ho Sung Song. The automaker also unveiled the Vision Meta Turismo concept car and opened a heritage exhibition featuring 17 vehicles across eight display zones, which will remain open until 2029.
The Vision Meta Turismo combines driving performance with a lounge-inspired interior, paying homage to 1960s long-distance touring. Its steering wheel offers three digital modes—Speedster, Dreamer and Gamer—using augmented reality head-up display technology to deliver tailored experiences for different driving environments.
In a statement, Euisun Chung said: “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.”
Ho Sung Song added: “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.”
Kia was founded in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry and adopted its current name in 1952. The company was acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in 1997 and revitalized its brand strategy in 2021 with a focus on electric vehicles and platform beyond vehicle models.
