Since the launch of volume production in December 2006, the 700,000th car has rolled off from the production lines of the company Kia Motors Slovakia, today. Kia Sportage of the colour Dark Gun Metal with1.7-litre diesel engine and 6-grade manual transmission will be dispatched to Italy. Especially Kia Sportage is behind the production growth in 2010. During the first ten months the plant produced 185,460 cars representing a 53.8% growth compared to the same period in 2009. The company also reached a 34.7% year-on-year increase in engine production while 259,876 engines were produced from January until October. The car producer continues with the capacity extension for the engine production from 300,000 to 450,000 produced units per year. Currently, Kia Motors Slovakia hires new employees for the positions such as operators, administrative and technical staff.
“The year of 2010 is very successful for us because we have launched a volume production of two SUV models. Furthermore we are able to meet the production plan not only due to the higher number of orders for Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35, but mainly thanks to the ongoing efforts and high working performance of our employees,“ said In-Kyu Bae, President and CEO of Kia Motors Slovakia. Kia Motors Slovakia launched the volume production of two SUV models such as Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 in 2010. Their production represents around 50% share of the total number of produced cars during the period from January until October 2010. Three versions of the model Kia cee’d represent the remaining share. The plant has also recorded a year-on-year increase in engine production this year. During the first ten months, 259,876 units were produced which represents a growth of 34.7%. A new 1.7-litre diesel engine has been produced since October 1, 2010. Kia Motors Slovakia produces altogether 5 types of engines, two gasoline (1.4 and 1.6-litre) and three diesel (1.4, 1.6 and 1.7-litre) engines. Currently, the company continues with the extension of engine production, which will be in progress until March 2011. Plant already now hires new employees. Around 270 new direct working positions will be created such as quality controllers, maintenance specialists, CNC machines operators, assembly line operators, administrative and technical staff. More than 100 people have been already employed. The company plans to recruit other employees at the beginning of 2011. The amount of the investment in expanding engine production exceeds 100 million EUR. The production capacity of the plant will increase by 150,000 engines which reaches a total capacity of 450,000 units produced annually.
