Kia Motors Slovakia plans to continue to keep the employment on the level of 2,800 employees in 2010 and increase the number of produced cars thanks to the production of two new models.
Volume production of the new Hyundai ix35 was launched on January 15, 2010, and a brand new Kia Sportage will be produced from June 2010. Hyundai ix35 belongs to the category of compact, midsize, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and will replace the highly successful model Tucson. Compared to its predecessor, the ix35 has a larger interior cabin and provides several entirely new features that enhance the practicality and ensure greater driving comfort. Improved aerodynamics in combination with better technology ensures significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission reduction for the model ix35. Setting up the production lines and technology installation for its production took place in the plant Kia Motors Slovakia gradually throughout the year 2009.
In 2009 Kia Motors Slovakia produced more than 150,000 cars. More than 38% of production represents Kia cee'd five-door version. Last year, 21% of all produced vehicles were exported to Russia, the largest export market. Kia Motors Slovakia also produces engines as the only car producer in the Slovak Republic. In 2009, the company produced more than 243,000 units which represent a 37% increase year-on-year. The number of produced engines significantly increased due to the 3-shift operation launched in September 2009 to supply the engines to the Czech plant Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech in Nosovice. Besides the initially produced 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline as well as 1.6 and 2.0-liter diesel engine, the company also started to produce a new 1.4-liter diesel.
