Brand history Asia
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Asia Motors was a South Korean automotive manufacturing company that played a significant role in the country's automotive industry. Established in 1965, Asia Motors was a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation, which later became part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group. The company primarily focused on producing a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and light trucks. Asia Motors was founded in 1965 as Asia Auto Co., Ltd. It began production of small trucks and commercial vehicles for domestic and export markets. In the early years, Asia Motors collaborated with other automotive manufacturers, such as Kia, in the development of certain vehicles. In 1982, Kia Motors acquired a significant stake in Asia Motors, leading to a closer collaboration between the two companies. Together, they introduced several popular models, such as the Kia Rocsta, which was a rebadged version of Asia Motors' Rocsta SUV. During the 1990s, Asia Motors expanded its product lineup to include passenger cars alongside its commercial vehicles. The company gained recognition for producing affordable and reliable cars, contributing to the growth of the automotive industry in South Korea. In 1998, amidst the Asian financial crisis, Hyundai Motor Company acquired a significant stake in Kia Motors, which, in turn, owned Asia Motors. This led to the formation of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, one of the world's largest automotive conglomerates. As a result of this merger, the Asia Motors brand gradually phased out, and some of its successful models were rebranded as Kias. Despite being absorbed into the Hyundai-Kia group, the legacy of Asia Motors lives on in certain models and technologies that contributed to the development of Kia's lineup. The expertise gained by Asia Motors in producing light trucks and commercial vehicles also played a role in strengthening Hyundai-Kia's presence in these segments.
1965
The Asia AM815 was one of the earliest models introduced by Asia Motors. It was a small and rugged truck designed for commercial use, particularly suited for urban deliveries and light cargo transportation. The AM815 featured a sturdy chassis and a reliable engine, making it popular among businesses and local entrepreneurs looking for an affordable and efficient transportation solution. Due to its versatility and practicality, the Asia AM815 became a common sight on South Korean roads, contributing significantly to the growth of the nation's economy.
1967
The Asia Rocsta was a rugged off-road SUV that gained popularity not only in South Korea but also in export markets. Its robust design and powerful performance made it ideal for various terrains and weather conditions. Equipped with a durable four-wheel-drive system, the Rocsta could handle challenging off-road trails, making it a favorite choice among adventure enthusiasts and utility vehicle users. The Asia Rocsta's success paved the way for future SUVs and established Asia Motors as a key player in the sport utility vehicle segment.
1969
The Asia Towner was a compact, boxy-styled passenger van that captured the market's attention as a practical family vehicle and a versatile commercial transporter. With its spacious interior and excellent fuel efficiency, the Towner catered to the growing demand for compact people-carriers in urban areas. Asia Motors marketed the Towner as an economical alternative for both personal and business use, solidifying its reputation as a manufacturer of reliable and budget-friendly vehicles.
1970
The Asia Cosmos was a mid-sized sedan that marked the company's entry into the passenger car market. The sedan was designed with a focus on comfort and convenience, making it suitable for both city driving and long-distance journeys. Powered by a capable engine and equipped with modern features, the Cosmos appealed to a broader audience seeking a balance of performance and comfort. Asia Motors' foray into passenger cars with the Cosmos further diversified its product lineup and positioned the company as a comprehensive automotive manufacturer.
1972
The Asia AM825 was an upgraded version of the previously successful AM815 model, a light commercial truck. This iteration featured improvements in design and performance, catering to the evolving needs of businesses and industries. Equipped with a more efficient engine and increased payload capacity, the AM825 provided enhanced reliability and productivity for various transportation tasks. The truck's durability and adaptability to different sectors further solidified Asia Motors' position as a key player in the commercial vehicle market.
1976
The Asia Retona was a compact and versatile off-road vehicle, often referred to as a Jeep or mini-SUV. Its rugged design and excellent off-road capabilities made it a popular choice for both urban and rural drivers. The Retona featured a reliable four-wheel-drive system, making it suitable for adventurous outings and challenging terrains. With its boxy shape and utilitarian approach, the Retona appealed to individuals seeking an affordable and reliable off-road vehicle.
1979
The Asia Topic was a mid-sized passenger van that became popular for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It served as an ideal family vehicle, accommodating a large number of passengers and providing ample storage space. The van's sliding doors and flexible seating arrangements made boarding and disembarking convenient for passengers, especially in urban settings. Asia Motors capitalized on the rising demand for multi-purpose vehicles during this era, and the Topic found significant success in the domestic market.
1980
The Asia Verna was a compact sedan designed to offer an economical and reliable option for daily commuting and city driving. Known for its fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, the Verna appealed to budget-conscious consumers seeking a practical and affordable transportation solution. The sedan's popularity contributed to Asia Motors' growing reputation for producing economical and dependable passenger cars.
1982
The Asia Galloper was a robust and capable sport utility vehicle that marked a significant step forward in the evolution of Asia Motors' SUV lineup. Featuring a comfortable interior and improved off-road capabilities, the Galloper attracted adventure enthusiasts and consumers seeking a rugged yet refined SUV. The success of the Galloper demonstrated Asia Motors' ability to cater to various market segments with distinct vehicle offerings.
1984
The Asia Rocsta II, also known as the Kia Rocsta in some markets, was an upgraded version of the earlier Rocsta model. This robust and versatile off-road SUV was designed to tackle various terrains and weather conditions. Equipped with a reliable four-wheel-drive system, the Rocsta II gained popularity among adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a dependable off-road vehicle. The Rocsta II's success bolstered Asia Motors' position as a key player in the sport utility vehicle segment, both domestically and internationally.
1985
The Asia Topic Long Body was an extended version of the popular Topic passenger van. This elongated variant offered even more seating capacity, making it an excellent choice for commercial use and larger families. With its practicality and versatility, the Topic Long Body found favor among businesses for shuttle services and transportation companies. Asia Motors capitalized on the growing demand for spacious multi-purpose vehicles, further solidifying its presence in the passenger van market.
1987
The Asia Hi-Topic was an upgraded version of the Topic van, boasting enhanced features and a more refined design. This model catered to consumers seeking a comfortable and spacious family van. The Hi-Topic introduced innovations such as improved suspension and more sophisticated interior amenities, elevating the overall driving experience for passengers. The van's popularity in the domestic market and overseas contributed to Asia Motors' reputation for producing reliable and well-appointed passenger vehicles.
1988
The Asia AM928 was a light commercial truck designed to meet the evolving demands of businesses and industries during this period. Featuring a sturdy build and a reliable engine, the AM928 offered improved efficiency and payload capacity for cargo transportation. As businesses expanded, the demand for reliable transportation solutions increased, and the Asia AM928 catered to these requirements effectively.
1990
The Asia Cosmos was a mid-sized sedan that became a symbol of comfort and reliability in the domestic market. It offered a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for families and daily commuters alike. With a focus on fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, the Cosmos appealed to budget-conscious consumers seeking a practical and dependable sedan. Asia Motors' commitment to providing value for money contributed to the popularity of the Cosmos during this era.
1993
The Asia Topic Executive was a luxury variant of the Topic passenger van, designed to cater to executives and corporate clients seeking a more upscale travel experience. The van boasted premium interior features, including plush seating, entertainment systems, and advanced climate control. With its emphasis on providing a comfortable and stylish ride, the Topic Executive established itself as a preferred choice for executive transportation services and luxury shuttle operations.
1994
The Asia Rocsta Turbo was an enhanced version of the popular Rocsta SUV, equipped with a turbocharged engine for improved performance and power. This upgraded model appealed to consumers looking for a sportier driving experience and greater off-road capabilities. The Rocsta Turbo further solidified Asia Motors' reputation in the SUV segment, especially among adventure enthusiasts and off-road enthusiasts.
1995
The Asia Combi was a versatile multi-purpose vehicle that offered a spacious and flexible interior for various passenger and cargo arrangements. With its adaptable seating configurations, the Combi was ideal for family use, as well as commercial purposes like public transportation and cargo transport. This model exemplified Asia Motors' ability to cater to the evolving needs of different customer segments.
1998
The Asia Granbird was a large-sized coach-type bus designed to accommodate a significant number of passengers comfortably and safely. This model found popularity in the intercity and tour bus segments due to its spaciousness and advanced safety features. The Granbird showcased Asia Motors' expertise in producing reliable and high-capacity commercial vehicles.
2000
The Asia Rocsta Mark III was the latest iteration of the popular Rocsta SUV, featuring modern design updates and improved performance. This model retained its reputation for ruggedness and off-road capabilities while incorporating advanced safety features and a more refined interior. The Rocsta Mark III continued to appeal to adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a dependable off-road vehicle with a touch of contemporary style.
2002
The Asia Towner Hivan was an extended version of the Towner model, catering to the growing demand for compact passenger vans with increased seating capacity. The Hivan offered ample space for larger families or commercial use, such as shuttle services and public transportation. With its practicality and reliability, the Towner Hivan became a popular choice for various urban transportation needs.
2005
The Asia Topic Long Body Deluxe was an upgraded version of the Topic passenger van, combining functionality and luxury features. It offered a spacious and comfortable interior with premium amenities, making it suitable for executive transportation services and luxury shuttle operations. The Topic Long Body Deluxe catered to clients seeking a higher level of sophistication and comfort in their travel experience.
2007
The Asia Combi Gran Series was an extended and versatile version of the Combi model, designed to accommodate even more passengers or cargo. It featured flexible seating configurations and enhanced interior amenities, offering convenience and adaptability for various transportation purposes. The Combi Gran Series was well-suited for group travel, tourism, and commercial applications, reaffirming Asia Motors' dedication to meeting diverse market demands.
2008
The Asia Cosmos VIP was a premium variant of the Cosmos sedan, elevating the driving experience with its upscale features and luxurious interior. It targeted discerning customers who sought a combination of elegance and performance in a mid-sized sedan. The Cosmos VIP exemplified Asia Motors' efforts to expand its presence in the luxury segment and cater to a more sophisticated clientele.
2011
The Asia Rocsta Mark IV represented the latest evolution of the popular Rocsta SUV, incorporating modern design elements and advanced technologies. This model retained its off-road prowess while emphasizing improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions to align with contemporary environmental standards. The Rocsta Mark IV appealed to adventure enthusiasts who sought both ruggedness and sustainability in their off-road vehicles.
2012
The Asia Towner Hivan Deluxe was a luxurious variant of the Towner Hivan, designed to elevate the passenger experience with upscale features and premium amenities. It targeted executives, VIP transportation services, and those seeking a blend of comfort and functionality for group travel. The Towner Hivan Deluxe showcased Asia Motors' commitment to providing sophisticated and comfortable transportation solutions.
2014
The Asia Granbird Supreme was an upgraded version of the Granbird coach-type bus, catering to intercity and long-distance travel with enhanced comfort and safety features. It offered a spacious and luxurious interior, designed to ensure a pleasant journey for passengers during extended trips. The Granbird Supreme demonstrated Asia Motors' dedication to providing reliable and high-quality commercial transportation options.
2016
The Asia Combi Cargo was a versatile commercial van designed to meet the needs of businesses and industries requiring efficient cargo transportation. It provided ample cargo space and a durable build, making it ideal for logistics, delivery services, and various commercial operations. The Combi Cargo exemplified Asia Motors' focus on delivering practical and reliable solutions for commercial vehicle customers.
2019
The Asia Cosmos EV was an all-electric version of the Cosmos sedan, representing Asia Motors' entry into the electric vehicle market. With zero-emission driving and advanced electric propulsion technology, the Cosmos EV aimed to promote sustainable mobility solutions.The Cosmos EV showcased Asia Motors' efforts to embrace eco-friendly technologies and contribute to the advancement of electric mobility.