E2024-G150
Gwangju’s Automotive Industry
Narrative
The automotive industry plays a major role in Gwanjgu’s economy. The history of the industry begins with the establishment of Asia Motors in Gwangju in 1965 with the financial support of Lee Moon-hwan (1907-1987). Asia Motors was acquired by Dongkuk Steel in 1969 and then by Kia Motors in 1976. Hyundai purchased Kia in 1999, and the Asia Motors brand was discontinued. However, the factories continued operating in Gwangju under the new company ownership as a Kia Motors auto plant, known as Kia AutoLand Gwangju, which is located in the Bitgreen Industrial Complex. In 2021, the Gwangju Global Motors Co. Ltd. was established as joint venture manufacturing plant between Hyundai Motor Company and the Gwangju city government. Notably, Gwangju’s local baseball team, Kia Tigers, is owned by Kia Motors.
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