Kia Slovakia hits production milestone of five million cars and SUVs

Kia Slovakia has celebrated the production of over five million units. A hybrid Sportage SUV was the five millionth anniversary vehicle for customers in Slovakia. Of the five million vehicles produced in Teplicka nad Vahom, Zilina, more than 2.5 million are Sportage models, which have been produced in Kia Slovakia since the second generation. It is closely followed by Ceed models, of which more than 2.1 million have been produced.

“We have tripled our share of the European car market in the last two decades thanks to the presence of our plant in Europe,” commented Marc Hedrich, President of Kia Europe, present at the local ceremony. “The tremendous success of the Ceed and Sportage models produced in Slovakia is truly admirable, becoming best-selling models across Europe several times, which is proof of the quality Kia has managed to achieve,” he added.

Marc Hedrich, President of Kia Europe: "The success of the Ceed and Sportage models produced in Slovakia is proof of the quality Kia has managed to achieve."

Kia Slovakia currently produces nearly 1,500 Ceed and Sportage vehicles per day, which are transported by train and truck to customers. In recent years, the main export countries for Kia Slovakia remain the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Spain.

The carmaker currently employs approximately 3,800 people, with an average employee retention rate of 11 years. Among the current staff, more than 1,300 employees have worked for Kia Slovakia for over 15 years, making the company a stable employer in the region for the last 20 years and therefore a strategic partner of the city of Zilina, surrounding municipalities and communities. Being the only car producer in Slovakia with its own certified emission laboratory and engine production facility, the staff represents the most highly qualified engineers specialised in both assembly and machining operations. Kia therefore stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability for the European automotive industry.

Through various initiatives, Kia has reduced its ecological footprint per produced car substantially in the last decade: 16% saving of electricity, 35% water saving by reutilising recycled water, and a further 19% decrease of CO2. Finally, it is relevant to note that the Kia factory in Zilina uses 100% renewable energy for its operations.