Kia’s Slovakian plant officially open

Kia Motors Corporation hosted an opening ceremony at its Zilina plant in Slovakia this week to mark the official opening of Kia’s first ever European factory.

The official opening was scheduled on the third anniversary of the ground-breaking event which began the transformation of Kia’s 166 hectare site into one of Europe’s most advanced and productive plants. Kia and the local Government held the ceremony to formally recognise the contribution that this facility has made to the region since production started last year. Not only has the factory created in excess of 10,000 new jobs in the area but can also boast being one of the most environmentally safe factories in Europe.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Chairman and CEO Mong-Ku Chung together with the Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and the Mayor of Zilina Ivan Harman.

Speaking at the ceremony, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico commented: “I would like to congratulate Kia on the completion of its Slovakia plant, as well as the successful launching of the new cee’d. The government and the people of Slovakia will continue to provide full support to Kia’s activities and growth in Europe and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

The Zilina plant represents a €1 billion investment for Kia and with some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing techniques, the facility is setting new benchmarks for vehicle quality and productivity. The plant has already set a production record by producing more than 35,000 cars this year. It aims to manufacture 100 cars per employee per year when fully operational, generating an ultimate capacity of more than 300,000 units annually.

Kia’s investment in advanced manufacturing techniques and the resulting high build quality allows Kia to offer the cee’d with a revolutionary 7-year / 100,000 mile warranty – the best new vehicle warranty ever offered in Europe.

Chairman Chung commented: “While maintaining the highest vehicle quality, Zilina has already achieved record-breaking productivity after just five months of operation. I know that all our staff here – Slovakians, Europeans and Koreans – are dedicated to making Kia’s manufacturing plant one of the very best in Europe. Thanks to innovative management, a skilled and dedicated workforce and high levels of productivity, I am confident we will see profit in the first year.

“Today is truly a landmark in Kia’s evolving history. With the support of the Slovakian government and people, we have established a remarkable manufacturing facility. Zilina is the ultimate showcase for the new technology and automotive know-how that Kia has accumulated over the years. We are proud of what we have achieved and of the cee’d which represents our highest build-quality yet,” concluded Chairman Chung.

By the end of the 2007 there will be three cee’d body styles for customers to choose from. Production of the cee’d five-door ‘Sport Wagon’ will begin in August and manufacture of the cee’d three-door is set for December 2007.