n the first half of 2020, Kia Motors Slovakia produced more than 131,000 passenger vehicles, representing a 27% decrease compared to the same period last year. Following the launch of series production of the plug‑in hybrid version of the Ceed Sportswagon at the end of 2019, production of the plug‑in hybrid version of the XCeed was subsequently initiated.
“In the first half of this year, production at our plant was significantly affected by the coronavirus. Measures in the countries to which we export our vehicles led to a sharp decline in demand, as a result of which we switched to a two‑shift operation. However, we believe that vehicles produced at our plant will maintain their stable position on the European market and that the new electrified models will attract new customers, enabling us to return to a three‑shift operation by the end of the year,” said company spokesperson Ján Žgravčák.
The Ceed model range and Kia Sportage vehicles produced at Kia Motors Slovakia were exported to a total of 90 countries worldwide in the first half of 2020. The main export destinations were Germany (13.3%), the United Kingdom (12.7%), and Russia (11.1%). Approximately 1.6% of the vehicles produced remained on the Slovak domestic market. Kia Sportage, the second best‑selling Kia model in Europe, was also the most produced model, accounting for 52% of total production. The new electrified Ceed Sportswagon and XCeed models represented 6.4% of production during the first half of the year.
In the first half of 2020, customers confirmed current market trends by showing a strong preference for gasoline engines (77%) and automatic transmissions (58%).
In 2019, Kia Motors Slovakia invested EUR 166 million. This year, the plant plans to continue its investment activities, with approximately EUR 100 million earmarked for further investments. Through its financial results in 2019, Kia Motors Slovakia once again confirmed its position among the largest manufacturers, exporters, and investors in Slovakia.
