Of the total number of vehicles produced, the Sportage model accounts for 63% of production, with more than one third of these being hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions. The Ceed model range represents the remaining 37% of production in the first half of this year.
“The current results confirm the growing demand for our models and the stable position of our brand on the European market. In the first half of the year, we managed to produce slightly more vehicles than originally planned. Our goal is to maintain this positive trend through the end of the year and meet our production target of 343,000 vehicles. Approximately 250 employees will be involved in preparing the production lines for a smooth restart after the company-wide summer shutdown,” said the Spokesperson for Kia Slovakia.
Kia Slovakia continues to confirm its export-oriented focus, with vehicles delivered to 79 countries worldwide in the first half of the year. As in previous years, the main export markets included the United Kingdom (16.5%), Germany (10.6%), Spain (10%), as well as Poland and Italy (7.6%).
The company also announced that the traditional company-wide summer shutdown will take place in the last week of July and the first week of August 2024, during which significant technological upgrades and preparations for future production will be carried out. In the press shop, four unloading robots for placing stamped parts onto pallets will be replaced. In the body shop, 29 welding and handling robots will undergo generational replacement, and production lines will be modified for both new and electric models. A new feature will be the installation of an aluminium front hood. In the paint shop, eight robots for primer application will be replaced, and new technologies enabling the application of a new type of matte paint will be installed. The assembly hall is being prepared for the introduction of a new electric model through adjustments and modifications to production lines.
All investments and improvements underline Kia Slovakia’s commitment to the continuous protection of employee health, improvements in ergonomics and occupational safety, the modernization of production processes, and preparation for future challenges related to electromobility.
During the summer heat, the car manufacturer takes care of employee safety and health not only by distributing electrolyte drinks, but primarily through the operation of air-conditioning units directly in production areas, including assembly lines, engine shops and partially also the body shop. All enclosed rest areas, both in production and non-production facilities, are also air-conditioned.
In the period preceding the summer shutdown, the company also pays out bonuses to its employees. As early as June, employees received a 13th salary amounting to 75%–110% of their base salary, depending on length of service. In July, employees also received a company-wide quarterly bonus of EUR 320.
