The Kia Slovakia manufacturing plant in Teplička nad Váhom officially launched series production of the fifth generation of the Kia Sportage on November 2. The production of the Sportage has a long tradition at Kia’s only European plant, having started back in 2006, with more than two million units produced to date.
“We have been manufacturing the Sportage at our Kia Slovakia plant for fifteen years, and today we are witnessing the start of series production of its fifth generation. The new Sportage embodies the future of our renewed brand and our products. Despite the challenging situation of recent times, thanks to the determination and efforts of all our employees and suppliers, we have been able to prepare and successfully launch series production of the latest generation of the Sportage,” said Seok Bong Kim, President and CEO of Kia Slovakia.
The fifth generation of the Sportage, unveiled at the beginning of September this year, is unique in that it is a dedicated European version—a first in the model’s 28‑year history. In this specification, it will also be available to customers in the Middle East and Africa. Kia Slovakia will produce electrified versions of the fifth‑generation Sportage as well, including mild hybrid (MHEV), hybrid (HEV), and plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) variants, all paired with 1.6‑liter engines. In addition to standard front‑wheel‑drive and all‑wheel‑drive versions, production will include the GT‑Line variant from the outset, featuring sportier exterior and interior accents. For the first time, the European Sportage will also be produced with a black roof, further enhancing its sporty profile and highlighting the dynamic design of the C‑pillar.
The Kia Sportage was the second model to be produced at Kia Slovakia, with production beginning in 2006 with the second generation. By 2010, more than 100,000 units had been produced. The third generation gained strong customer appeal, with nearly 800,000 vehicles produced by 2015. The fourth generation proved to be record‑breaking, with over one million units manufactured, a milestone celebrated by Kia Slovakia in December last year. Altogether, the total number of Sportage vehicles produced at the Teplička nad Váhom plant now exceeds two million.
The latest generation of the Sportage combines a sleek, dynamic, and modern exterior with a premium interior featuring an integrated curved display, enabling drivers to access the latest connectivity technologies. Built on a new architecture, the new Sportage benefits from technologies developed through advanced European engineering programs, resulting in a vehicle with a wheelbase, dimensions, and proportions ideally suited to European roads.
