At World Vehicles Manufacturers we love nothing greater than arising with lengthy lists of cool automobiles and fascinating details about the automotive trade and its historical past. At this time, we determined to seek out out extra – you and us, collectively – about automobile producers whose names start with the letter ‘Okay’.
Numerous elements affect the kind of automobile that an individual buys, comparable to its options, colour, in addition to their character, life-style, and social standing. However some individuals are superstitious and we’re not speaking solely about superstars or well-known athletes right here. As such, you’ll be able to anticipate a few of them to drive solely sure autos, relying on their names or different random options.
So, in case you are somebody who’s in search of a automobile model that begins with Okay, you are actually welcomed to be taught extra about their origins, automobiles, and extra. Listed below are all of the automobile corporations that begin with the letter “Okay”.
Kia
Kia is definitely one of many greatest automobile manufacturers on the planet proper now. Based in 1944, the KIA Motors Firm relies in Seoul, South Korea. Except for manufacturing glorious automobiles, this Korean model can be recognized for leasing and offering upkeep providers. The corporate’s merger with Hyundai in 1998 helped it conquer markets in Japan, Europe, and ultimately america.
After being available in the market for over 70 years, KIA launched loads of automobiles for every kind of wants, from small metropolis automobiles, household saloons to nice SUVs. Most not too long ago, they started manufacturing hybrid electrical and absolutely electrical autos. However as we speak KIA Motors can be liable for manufacturing totally different automobile components underneath the identical title.
Kia automobiles have all the time been thought-about amongst the most secure and most dependable automobiles on the market. And when you take into account the truth that KIAs brag about extremely environment friendly engines and gas tank capability, you’ll notice this title must be in your procuring listing the following time you’re out in search of a brand new automobile.
Koenigsegg
The title Koenigsegg must be acquainted to any petrol head by now. Established in 1994, the Swedish firm was based from the will to develop a world-class supercar that might break velocity data and impress anybody within the course of. Do you know that by 2005 the Koenigsegg’s CCR was thought-about the quickest manufacturing automobile on the planet? A number of fortunate individuals even acquired to expertise that first hand.
Based mostly in Ängelholm, Scania, Sweden, Koenigsegg has additionally developed a number of options which might be altering the automotive trade; let’s not overlook concerning the plug-in electrical automobile techniques and revolutionary engine applied sciences the corporate launched. The Agera or Regera fashions would possibly ring a couple of bells to a few of you, however we’re extra impressed by the brand new Jesko and Gemera.
In the meantime, every Koenigsegg supercar is ready on-demand, retaining the client’s wishes in thoughts.
KTM
KTM is a motorbike icon that has not too long ago joined the league of sports activities automobile producers and so they’ve finished it with a blast. The corporate was based by engineer Johann (Hans) Trunkenpolz, who arrange a fitter’s and automobile restore store again in 1934 in Mattighofen, Austria, the place he began promoting DKW bikes. However quickly after they’ve began engaged on their very own bikes.
Principally well-liked attributable to their cool and intensely sturdy off-road bikes, KTM additionally developed the tremendous quick mild street-legal automobile generally known as the X-Bow. Powered by an Audi engine and sitting on a chassis courtesy of Dallara, this mannequin was launched in 2008 and accommodates two individuals who will benefit from the experience of their lives.
The X-Bow acquired even higher with different variations, such because the GTX, which was revealed a couple of years in the past. At this time, the Austrian firm is taken into account the most important motorbike producer in Europe and the corporate is among the many world’s main off-road motorbike producers as properly.
Karma
Karma Motors is an organization primarily based in California, a luxurious electrical automobile producer that was really based in 2015 following a takeover from Fisker automotive. It began with Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, who offered their property to Chinese language firm Wanxiang and ended up with the corporate we name as we speak Karma Motors.
Karma autos are often thought-about to be very highly effective, with their engines growing as a lot as 1,300 Nm of torque and permitting the automobiles to do 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The 2020 Revero GT rapidly grew to become a hit, due to its unimaginable options and splendid general vibe. So, in case you are in search of luxurious electrical automobiles that begin with Okay, Karma Motors is certainly the best model for you.
Kaipan
Kaipan may not be a well-known title for these of you in search of a model new sports activities automobile, however it’s price mentioning that this firm has been based in 1992, so that they’ve been round for fairly a while.
The comparatively small Czech automotive producer is especially centered on roadsters. As an illustration, the corporate’s first venture, the Kaipan 47, was impressed by British legend Lotus Seven. Nonetheless, it was solely in 2006 when their first authentic mannequin was launched: the Kaipan 14.
Kaipan automobiles have a variety of engines, sourced from totally different corporations, together with Ford, Honda and Volkswagen. They’ve extremely mild bodywork and so they’re construct with efficiency in thoughts, with superb acceleration and spectacular high speeds.
Karmann
Again in 1901, German entrepreneur Wilhelm Karmann began an organization bearing his title, devoted to creating distinctive and exquisite automobiles. Over time, individuals acquired fairly within the firm’s distinctive designs, which have been often centered round convertibles.
Please be aware the enduring Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible, in addition to the Volkswagen Karmann Coupe and the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Kind 34. However don’t suppose this German model was solely excited about revamping Volkswagen automobiles.
Based mostly in Osnabrück, Germany, Karmann has remained energetic and available on the market, working exhausting on creating gorgeous designs for corporations comparable to Mercedes, Porsche, Nissan, Renault, Ford, and Chrysler. A method or one other, anybody would have wished to have such a automobile parked of their storage.
Keating Supercars
An organization centered on producing plant gear all of a sudden modified its course in 2006, when Mr. Keating determined to provide you with his personal sports activities automobile. The ensuing supercar was revealed on the British Motor Present, taking everybody without warning. After optimistic response and some orders, Keating Supercars developed extra fashions ever since.
The UK-based car firm has produced 5 automobiles already, particularly the SKR, TKR, ZKR, Bolt, and Berus. Sitting in the midst of the chassis is a large 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine, powering up the rear wheels due to a six-speed transaxle.
Kremer Racing
This German racing automobile producer may be present in Cologne and started its exercise in 1962, as a small tuning store. Brothers Erwin and Manfred Kremer based this racing automobile model and managed to win numerous prizes racing with their automobiles for greater than 4 many years.
The 2 brothers went on to tune-up many Porsche sports activities automobiles, however do you know that the Porsche 356 got here to be because of their work? A slant nostril, large rear wings and extra fascinating options often outline this firm’s designs.
After over 40 years of energetic racing, Kremer racing automobiles have allowed some well-known drivers to place them via their paces, comparable to Bob Wollek, Klaus Ludwig, Mario Andretti, Rolf Stommelen, Hans Heyer, and Manfred Winkelhock.
As an affidavit of their unimaginable designs, numerous racing groups order Kremer to fabricate components and tune their automobiles in hopes of attending to the checkered flag first. Since 2017, the highway model 997 K3-Street has cleared all TÜV necessities, which implies Kremer automobiles can now be seen on public roads once more.
Katech
Katech grew to become well-known for constructing engines for GM’s Corvette Racing workforce that has dominated the U.S. and international GT racing circuits for many years. This high-performance engine producer is targeted on tweaking engines and constructing performance-oriented automobile elements.
Recognized for creating large and durable engines, able to delivering excessive speeds and quick acceleration occasions, this model made its presence felt on quite a few automobiles. A few of the fashions Katech labored its magic on embody the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, C3R Chevrolet and the Chevy Camaro ZL1 – do you discover a sample there?
The racing model is understood for growing the primary trendy GM V16, the primary E85-powered Corvette and likewise first 500 cubic-inch small block with out block modification. Ought to we additionally point out the primary LS7-powered Camaro?
Katech is a premier efficiency engine and automobile builder serving the aftermarket, motorsports, and company markets for greater than 40 years. Successful races is their factor – Indy, Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring, Dakar, you title it.
Kepler Motors
This boutique automotive producer solely reached the market in 2009, when their first automobile was revealed – though the corporate has been energetic since 1962. Kepler Motors was based by Russ Wick, the person who holds the file for being the one human who hit over 200 mph each on water and land.
The model’s first automobile was launched on the 2009 Dubai Worldwide Motor Present and rapidly grabbed everybody’s consideration due to its distinctive options. It packed a twin-turbo V6 powering up the rear axle, whereas two electrical motors growing 250 hp every sat on the entrance.
With a 200 mph high velocity and 0 to 60 mph in underneath 2.5 seconds, I believe it’s protected to say that everybody would need a type of.
Kaiser Motors
Based by Henry J. Kaiser and Joseph W. Frazer again in 1945, Kaiser Motors spawned a number of manufacturers. As soon as one of the well-liked US luxurious car producers, this firm launched a number of passenger automobile fashions with beautiful automobile physique sorts.
The American automobile manufacturing firm was primarily based in Michigan and used this title between 1945 and 1953, however following a merger with Willys Overland, the whole lot grew to become Willys included.
By 1963, the corporate modified its title but once more, opting to be referred to as the Kaiser-Jeep Company, and was offered shortly after. The corporate disappeared and the whole lot else is historical past.
Karlmann King
Based just some years in the past, again in 2017, Karlmann King managed to make a repute for itself actually quick. The up and coming car firm has change into recognized for its radical luxurious SUV that claims to be the world’s strongest SUV.
Oddly sufficient, we’re coping with a model whose cash come from the Beijing-based Worldwide Automotive Applied sciences, whereas a manufacturing unit in Italy is liable for growing these excessive autos. However on the finish of the day, the corporate formally operates from Los Angeles, USA.
The Karlmann King SUV packs various fascinating options, comparable to a big TV, espresso maker, recliners, and rather more – including to the worth tag of the world’s priciest SUV. Made to order, this low-production SUV is what you would possibly take into account a really restricted mannequin.
Keinath
Keinath Automobilbau, a German automotive model established in 1983 by Horst Keinath, relies in Reutlingen, Germany. This automobile maker initially started by producing a convertible variant of the enduring Opel Monza, whereas an iteration of the Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 2 rapidly adopted.
The corporate went on to design its personal automobile a couple of years later, referred to as the GTR, a limited-production run convertible sports activities automobile with a hard-top roof. The GTR featured a selection of two.0-litre, 2.5-litre, or 3.0-litre Opel engines, though an improve allowed drivers to take pleasure in a large 5.7-liter LS household V8 engine.
The GT/C mannequin pictured above adopted, a 2-door sports activities automobile accessible as a coupé or a convertible, was powered by a 3.2-litre V6 engine good for 218 PS and able to pushing the automobile in the direction of a high velocity of 250 km/h. The model nonetheless operates independently as we speak, by the way in which.
Koenig Specials
Koenig Specials GmbH or just Koenig is a German tuning home primarily based in Munich. This tuning firm grew to become well-liked after modifying numerous luxurious passenger automobiles, comparable to radical efficiency takes to Ferraris throughout the Nineteen Eighties – be at liberty to search for the 1000-PS twin-turbo Ferrari Testarossa, generally known as the Koenig Competitors, which featured intensive physique modifications that made it resemble a Ferrari F40.
At one level, Koenig additionally entered into car manufacturing by revealing a road-going model of the Porsche 962, generally known as the Koenig C62, making this the primary road-legal Group C-based automobile. Nevertheless, Koenig Specials doesn’t work on full conversions anymore; as a substitute, the store has centered its consideration on creating separate performance-oriented elements.
Kantanka
Established in 1994 by Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, Kantanka Vehicle is a Ghana-based automotive firm. This model has been recognized for designing, manufacturing, assembling and promoting luxurious automobiles on the African continent.
The corporate manufactures each sedans and off-road autos, with their lineup together with as many as 8 fashions at this second. Nevertheless, firm workers additionally work exhausting on tuning civilian automobiles and bikes, including military-grade {hardware} and armor – how does a fight exoskeleton sound?
In a position to deal with the Ghanaian and African terrain, these automobiles are perfect for somebody trying to buy a sturdy and durable automobile that may stand the check of time – or nature.
Kieft
Based by Cyril Kieft, Kieft Vehicles was a UK-based firm devoted to constructing Components Three racing automobiles and motor racing autos. Some highway going sports activities automobiles have additionally rolled the manufacturing unit gates in Derry St., Wolverhampton, though they weren’t as profitable as their designers thought they might be.
In 1954, Kieft began to make a two-seater road-worthy sports activities automobile that benefitted from a Coventry Climax FWA engine, an unbiased suspension and a light-weight glass fiber physique. As cool as that sounds, the corporate was shedding cash and by the top of the yr, the corporate was offered to racing driver Berwyn Baxter.
Kaditcha
Hailing from Queensland, Australia, Kaditcha was a racecar firm based by a former McLaren engineer referred to as Barry Lock. Targeted on growing racing automobiles and open-wheelers for Australian Sports activities Automotive Championship, however not solely, the model rapidly grew to become well-known.
Throughout the mid-Nineteen Eighties Kaditcha sports activities automobiles dominated the Australian Sports activities Automotive Championship. Driver Chris Clearihan gained the 1982 Championship whereas driving a 5.0-liter Chevrolet-powered Kaditcha racer, with the producer ending that yr in 1st, 2nd and third locations.
The model’s most notable venture was Kaditcha K583, the first-ever closed-top Group A Sports activities Automotive within the nation.
Keller
Keller Motors Company is now automotive historical past, however at one time it was a producing firm primarily based in Huntsville, Alabama. The American firm was energetic for a short time however made a long-lasting impression on the trade nonetheless, primarily due to the appropriately dubbed – the Keller Tremendous Chief automobile.
With merely 18 models produced, the Keller was a reimagined model of a Bobbi-Kar produced between 1947 and 1950. Though Keller Motors had a employees of practically 70 designers, engineers and buying brokers on the payroll, the loss of life of George D. Keller introduced an finish to manufacturing.
These days, Keller autos are wanted by automobile collectors in all places. You possibly can think about why.
Kish Khodro
Established in 1955, Kish Khodro is an Iranian automobile firm owned by Mohammad Saffari. The producer began off with a plan to create an Iranian automobile mannequin named Sinad, powered up by Renault powertrains and accessible in multiple model.
A 1600cc Renault K7M engine and mechanical elements have been hidden by a physique manufactured utilizing the Vacuum Injection Shell Course of (VISP). The Sinad, a entrance traction Jeep look-alike automobile, was even granted the best to drive on UK and European roads.
Round 1,800 models rolled out the manufacturing unit gates models the whole lot got here to a halt. Would you might have wished considered one of these?
Kissel
American car and truck manufacturing firm Kissel Motor Automotive Firm was based by Louis Kissel and his sons. Beginning in 1906, the Hartford-based firm customized constructed high-quality vehicles, hearses, fireplace vehicles, taxicabs and even vehicles.
The Wisconsin-based Kissel Motors additionally equipped the US army with vehicles throughout the first World Battle. Nevertheless, individuals often affiliate the title with a stupendous speedster referred to as Gold Bug, which was extremely appreciated by celebrities throughout that interval.
Following the warfare, Kissel prospered but needed to face stiff competitors and the Nice Melancholy. This resulted in mounting losses, forcing the corporate into disappearing from the market a couple of years later.
Kleinschnittger
This German automobile producer was not meant to final, but the model does deserve a little bit of consideration. Kleinschnittger specialised in microcars, and have become well-liked by designing aluminum-bodied autos powered by single-cylinder two-cycle engines.
Lively between 1950 and 1957, the model used a 125cc single cylinder two-stroke engine for its F125, with 4 kW (5.4 hp) and a high velocity of 70 km/h (43 mph), to maintain drivers excited. Not quick, these tiny autos have been very gas environment friendly and used lower than 3 liters per 100 km (~.79 US gal per 60 miles), primarily as a result of aluminum utilized in manufacturing the physique shell.
The F250 mannequin featured a 250cc engine, which used to output 11 kW (14.8 hp). Not highly effective or quick, these automobiles have been enjoyable, cute and what individuals as we speak take into account environmentally-friendly, earlier than this was even a factor.
Knox
Based mostly in Springfield, Massachusetts, Knox Vehicle Firm was an American producer of vehicles between 1900 and 1914. In addition they constructed vehicles and farm tractors till 1924, however that’s one other story.
Growing reasonably priced autos, Knox was one of many producers from the daybreak of the US automotive trade. Essentially the most well-known Knox automobile was a tractor-trailer with an air-cooled cylinder, dubbed the “Previous Porcupine”.
This model was liable for constructing as many as 15 automobiles their first yr – not that energetic, in comparison with trendy occasions. The model didn’t survive to achieve trendy occasions, but right here we’re – speaking about it.
Korvensuu
Korvensuu was the title of a automobile constructed in Finland by Frans Lindström, proprietor of a small machine manufacturing unit. The primary-ever Finnish automobile was by no means meant for mass manufacturing, however quite for example of what firm workers and their creativeness can do.
Powered by a 10-hp air-cooled four-stroke inline 2-cylinder engine whereas exhibiting off a Torpedo physique with two seats, Korvensuu was designed to show heads. Design and building was finished throughout the years 1912-1913, with a lot of the automobile components having regionally constructed. The engine was distinctive, within the sense that the exhaust valves are side-valves and inlet valves are of atmospheric kind, not related to camshaft.
Earlier than you get too excited, please take into account that just about the entire few manufactured Korvensuu models are to not be discovered; as such, these extremely uncommon objects are fairly costly as of late – if yow will discover one on the public sale block.
Conclusion
As you’ll be able to see, there have been various automobile manufacturers beginning with Okay all through time. Most them not exist, however they’re all a part of automotive historical past and influenced by some means the automobiles we now have as we speak.
