Kia marks 80th anniversary with pledge to lead future mobility

송호성 기아 사장이 5일 경기 용인시 비전스퀘어에서 열린 '기아 80주년 기념행사'에서 인사말을 하고 있다. [사진=이성진 기자]

SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Kia President Song Ho-sung pledged to accelerate innovation across electric and purpose-built vehicles as the automaker marked its 80th anniversary on Friday.

“We will continue to innovate with various electric and purpose-built vehicle models to become a centennial company,” Song said at a commemorative event held in Yongin, south of Seoul.

Reflecting on Kia’s evolution to a global brand, Song credited the company’s resilience to founder Kim Chul-ho’s vision of advancing national industrial capability through technology. He noted that Kia endured multiple crises by introducing new models and pursuing fresh business directions.

Since joining Hyundai Motor Group, Kia has expanded its global presence under successive leadership. Song highlighted Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo’s emphasis on quality and Chairman Chung Eui-sun’s focus on design and innovation as key drivers of growth.

He also underscored the company’s efforts to strengthen organizational culture and lead in next-generation mobility solutions.

Song cited ongoing challenges, including shifting global trade policies, supply-chain disruptions, rapid advances in AI-based mobility technology, and rising competition from Chinese automakers. Kia, he said, plans to address these pressures by doubling down on its core mission of providing innovative mobility solutions.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
Lee Seong-jin 기자 leesj@ajunews.com

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