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KIA Bicycle and Motor Company. |
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According to Kia Motors, the name `Kia` derives from the Sino-Korean words KI (`to come out`) and A (which stands for Asia), it is roughly translated as `arise or come up out of Asia` or `rising out of Asia”.
South Korea`s oldest car company, Kia was founded on June 9, 1944 as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts by hand – and has operated as one of the country`s Chaebols (conglomerates) since. In 1951 Kia began building complete bicycles. In 1952, Kia changed its name from Kyungsung Precision Industry, and later built motorcycles (starting in 1957), trucks (1962) and cars (1974). The company opened its first integrated automotive assembly plant in 1973, the Sohan Plant. Starting in 1986, in partnership with Ford Kia produced several Mazda derived vehicles for both domestic sales in South Korea into other countries. The preceding information was gleaned from Wikipedia.
KIA brand bikes were sold mainly through discount and chain (department) stores rather than through IBD`s (Independent Bicycle Dealers). Mr. Sam Rubin of New York was a sales representative for KIA. The same Sam Rubin was the owner of the famous racing horse JOHN HENRY.
This image is of a KIA head badge sticker on a girl`s 24x1 3/8 inch wheel 3-speed bike. See the picture gallery for pictures of several other models. If you are doing research on any of these models you can contact me for additional pictures of each model. [KIA Bicycle Co]
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Maruishi Cycle Industries, Ltd. - Osaka, Japan |
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Maruishi was a medium size manufacturer of good quality bicycles. they were represented in America by Aki. Bob Margevicias (now with Specialized) worked with Maruishi in America for some time. I believe the company was originally named Maruishi Shokai. This image is an advertisement for Maruishi that appeared in the 1952 edition of the Japan Bicycle Guide on page 204. [Maruishi Cycle Ind]
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Matsuri Brand Bicycles by Maruka Machinery |
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Matsuri brand bicycles were imported and distributed in the USA for a short time by Maruka Machinery Co., a large trading company with offices in Osaka, Japan and New Jersey. This is an advert from a 1980 Bicycling Magazine Buyers Guide by Rodell Press. [Matsuri Bicycles]
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