Timeline

1940s & 1950s
1944: Kyeongseong Precision Industry founded (precursor of Kia Motor Company).
1955: Choi Mu-seong, a Korean mechanic and three of his brothers mounted an engine on a modified US Army Jeep to manufacture the historic model, called "Sibal";
Sinjin Automobiles founded (precursor of Daewoo Motor);
Hyundai Civil Works Company founded by Chung Ju-yung;
Ha Dong-hwan Car Assembly Shop founded.

1960s
1960: Sinjin Automobiles launched Sinjin Publica under Toyota licensing.
1961: Government established "Industrial Standardization Act" and announced "Transportation Business Act and Road Traffic Act".
1962: Government established "5-Year Automobile Industry Plan", and announced the "Automobile Industry Protection Act";
Saenara Automobiles founded, in technical cooperation with Nissan Motor Co.;
Ha Dong-hwan Automobile Industry Co. founded;
Kyeongseong Precision Industry changed its name to Kia Industry.
1963: Sinjin Crown, and Sinsungho launched.
1964: Government announced the "Automobile Industry Comprehensive Promotion Plan";
Kia Industry produced Mazda models under licensing;
Kia T-600 Triple Truck launched.
1965: Government announced "3-Year Automobile Localization Plan", with a goal to achieve 90% local content by 1967;
Asia Motors Co. established;
Sinjin Automobiles took over Saenara Automobiles.
1966: Sinjin Corona, Sinjin Truck, and Sinjin Ace launched.
1967: Government announced the "Automobile Plant Permission Standards".
1968: Hyundai Motor Co. founded, and established licensing agreement with Ford Motor Company;
Hyundai Cortina, Hyundai Ford 20M, Hyundai Ford D-series, and Hyundai Ford DK-Series launched.
1969: Government announced "Basic Plan for Automobile Industry Promotion".

1970s
1970: Sinjin New Crown, Hyundai 0303 Benz bus, Kia Titan, and Kia Boxer launched;
Toyota showed hesitation in continuing with Sinjin Automobiles.
1972: Sinjin Automobiles joint-ventured with General Motors to form GM Korea, and launched Chevrolet 1700, based on Holden Torana model;
Kia Brisa (K303) launched, based on Mazda Familia model;
Kia KB truck launched, based on Hino truck model;
Sinjin Automobiles launched Jeep under licensing from American Motors;
Daewoo BF101 truck, and Daewoo BV101 bus launched, based on Isuzu truck model.
1973: Kyeongbu Highway opened;
Hyundai New Cortina launched.
1974: Government set goal of half a million vehicles to be built annually, with the announcement of the "Automobile Industry Promotion Plan";
Sinjin Automobiles joint-ventured with American Motors on 50-50 basis to form Sinjin Jeep Company;
GM Korea Rekord, based on Opel Rekord, launched.
1975: Government established "Systematization Promotion Act" for medium and small enterprises in automobile industry;
Hyundai Motor Co. established its own research institute, and produced Hyundai Pony, the first Korean-developed car, designed by ItalDesign and based on Mitsubishi technology;
GM Korea's Camina launched, based on Holden Torana.
1976: Hyundai Motor made Korean history by exporting the "Pony" to the Republic of Ecuador;
Kia Industry took over Asia Motors Co.;
GM Korea changed its name to Saehan Automobiles, and produced Saehan Gemini (based on Opel Kadett and Isuzu Gemini models), and Saehan Elf (based on Isuzu Elf);
Hyundai truck launched, based on a Mitsubishi Fuso model; Hyundai HD1000, and Hyundai Vison also launched.
1977: Ha Dong-hwan Automobiles changed its name to Dong-A-Motors.
1978: Hyundai Ford Cortina Mark IV, Hyundai Ford Cortina Mark V, and Hyundai Ford Granada launched;
Saehan Rekord and Saehan Royale Salon, both based on Opel Rekord, also launched.
1979: Shinjin Jeep Motor Co. changed its name to Shinjin Motor Company as the company became a domestic corporation;
Kia Bongo truck launched.

1980s
1980: Government announced integration of automobile industry.
1981: Sinjin Automobiles changed its company name to Geohwa Company.
1982: Hyundai Pony II and Hyundai FB buses, Kia Bongo van launched.
1983: Saehan Automobiles changed its name to Daewoo Motor, with partner General Motors;
Daewoo Royale series launched;
Hyundai Stellar launched;
Hyundai Motors established Hyundai Auto Canada Inc.;
Geohwa's Korando launched.
1984: Hyundai Pony-Excel, and Hyundai Presto launched;
Asia Combi launched.
1985: Ministry of Commerce and Industry postponed import liberalization of automobiles;
Dong-A Motor Co. took over Geohwa Co.;
Kia Besta launched;
Number of vehicles registered in South Korea exceeded one million.
1986: Government designated automobile industry for rationalization, based on the "Industry Development Act";
Government revised the "Road Transportation & Vehicle Act, and other related regulations;
Dong-A Motor Co. took over Geohwa Co. and renamed it Ssangyong Motor Co.;
Hyundai Excel, and Hyundai Presto AMX Model, launched and exported to USA;
Hyundai Excel nominated by Fortune magazine for the "Best Product 10" award;
Daewoo Le Mans, based on Opel Kadett, launched.
1987: Government cancelled "Automobile Industry Rationalization Plan";
Government introduced import liberalization of commercial vehicles between 1,000 and 2,000 c.c.;
Transportation Ministry revised "Enforcement Decree of the Automobile Management Act";
Kia Pride, Kia Concord, Asia Topic, and Kia Jumbo Titan launched;
Hyundai Truck (new model), Hyundai Grace, Hyundai Porter, and Hyundai Mighty launched, based on Mitsubishi Delica, Mitsubishi Canter, and Fuso model.
1988: Annual domestic automobile production volume exceeded one million units;
Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) established;
Hyundai named "Official Car" in Seoul Olympic;
Hyundai Chorus and Hyundai Sonata (new model) launched;
SsangYong Korando family launched.
1989: Hyundai Motor completed construction of its plant in Bromont, Canada;
Hyundai Sonata launched, using in-house design, but still featuring Mitsubishi technology;
3Gen from Hyundai Excel, Hyundai Porter 1.25 ton launced;
Kia Capital and Kia Wide-Bongo launched, along with Kia Motors's import model, Mercury Sable.

1990s
1990: Hyundai's cumulative exports to the U.S. surpassed 1 million in 1990;
Kia Industry changed its name to Kia Motors Co.;
Hyundai Scoupe, and Hyundai Elantra launched.
1991: Hyundai Sonata (new model) launched;
Kia New Besta and Kia Towner launched;
Daewoo Prince, Daewoo Brougham, Daewoo Tico, Daewoo Damas, and Daewoo Lemans (new model) launched.
1992: Hyundai Scoupe (new model) launched; ScoupeTurbo won at the "Pikes Peak Hill Climb Rally";
Kia Sephia, and Kia Potentia launched.
1993: Hyundai Elantra (new model launched), and was selected "Best Car of 1993" in Australia;
Kia named "Official Car" for Daejeon Expo.
1994: Samsung Motors founded.
1995: Number of vehicles registered in South Korea exceeded eight million;
Hyundai's Accent earned "Canadian Best Buy Award", and also won the "Asia-Pacific" Rally;
First Seoul International Motor Show.
1997: Kia Motors went into financial trouble, and helped push South Korea into the Asian financial crisis.
1998: Hyundai began investing heavily in quality, design, manufacturing, and long-term research, and added a 10-year or 100,000 mile warranty to its vehicles in the United States;
Samsung Motors started selling cars;
51% of Kia Motors acquired by Hyundai Motor;
Daewoo Motors took over the troubled SUV specialist, SsangYong
1999: Asia Motors completely merged with Kia Motors Company.

2000s
2000: Samsung sold a 70% stake in Samsung Motors to Renault, and the company was renamed Renault Samsung Motors.
Daewoo Motors divests of SsangYong Motor Company
2002: Major assets of Daewoo Motors acquired by General Motors. The new company was named GM Daewoo.
2004: Hyundai tied with Honda for initial brand quality, second in the industry behind Toyota, in a survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) acquires 49% of SsangYong Motor Company.
2005: Hyundai completed construction of its $1 billion assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama;
GM Daewoo vehicles were exported under various GM brands (and Suzuki), but mostly as Chevrolets