News: Kia factory in Slovakia celebrates 20 years

Construction of the plant began in the fall of 2004 and lasted approximately 25 months, including six months of trial production. In December 2006, the Dee’d was the first mass-produced Kia to launch into production. It was a completely new model, developed specifically for the European market. Because motorcycle production also began during that period, the factory quickly emerged as a springboard for the brand’s expansion across Europe.

More models, more power

In the twenty-year history of the factory, a total of four different models have been produced: different body types of Kia Ceed, Sportage, Venga and in the years 2009-2011 also Hyundai ix35. The 5-door version of the Ceed was supplemented in 2007 with the SW (Sportswagon) and 3-door variant; the latter was released until 2018. Since 2018 and 2019, ProCeed and XCeed have also been built alongside the Ceed. The plant was prepared in 2020 for the production of the new Smartstream combustion engines and hybrid powertrains.

More than 4 million cars and 7 million motorcycles

The models that Kia produces in Slovakia have all been very successful in Europe. Thanks to the introduction of the two-shift system and the continuous improvement of the production lines, the milestone of 4 million vehicles already produced was reached in 2021. Today the plant has a production capacity of 350,000 vehicles per year and 540,000 engines. About 7 million engines have been produced since 2006.

Employer

Kia employs 3,800 people directly, while the average length of employment at the factory is eleven years. Kia has therefore become an important part of the region and the factory contributes to its continued development. The brand has been an employer and strategic partner of the city of Zilina and surrounding municipalities for 20 years.