In the first half of 2019, the Kia Motors Slovakia plant produced 180,200 passenger vehicles and 222,000 engines, successfully meeting its production targets. After eight years, production of the Venga model ended in April. On the production lines of Kia Motors’ only European manufacturing plant, it will be replaced in August by the new XCeed model. Since May 2018, the Žilina plant has also been installing the EcoDynamics+ 48V mild‑hybrid diesel powertrain in the Sportage model, with further electrified powertrains to follow by the end of 2019.
Kyong Jae Lee, President of Kia Motors Slovakia, expressed satisfaction with the first half of 2019:
“Following the end of Venga production, we focused on preparing for the production of the new Kia XCeed crossover. Series production will begin immediately after the two‑week plant‑wide holiday. On Monday, August 5, 2019, Kia Motors Slovakia will begin writing another chapter in its history with the launch of the sixth unique body variant to be produced in Teplička nad Váhom.”
The XCeed is the fourth version of the Ceed family, which has so far been represented by the successful, award‑winning, and popular hatchback, Sportswagon, and shooting brake variants. With the Kia XCeed, the European market gains not only an attractive and modern design, but also a range of technical enhancements that elevate Kia vehicle quality and the driving experience to a new level.
Kia Sportage, Ceed, and Venga models produced in Slovakia were exported to 95 countries worldwide in the first half of 2019—most frequently to the Russian Federation (15.6%). Close behind were the United Kingdom (14.6%), while Germany also surpassed the 10% mark. The share of vehicles remaining on the Slovak market increased to over 2%. Overall, it continues to be the case that approximately half of all Kia vehicles sold in Europe are produced in Slovakia.
Kia Motors Slovakia will also observe a plant‑wide summer holiday this year, scheduled from July 22 to August 2. During the two‑week shutdown, planned maintenance will be carried out in the production halls. Production lines will resume operation on Monday, August 5.
