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Kia Continues To Increase Production In Zilina (Slovakia) Due To European Demand
From January to June 2024, the car manufacturer near Žilina produced more than 188,000 vehicles, representing an increase of almost 3,000 vehicles (+1.59%) compared to the first half of 2023.
The Sportage accounted for 63% of total production, with hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions accounting for more than a third of total production. Ceed, with its four versions (Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon, ProCeed, and XCeed), accounted for the remaining 37% of production in the first half of this year.
“The current results confirm the growing demand for our models and the stable position of our brand on the European market. In the first half of the year, we managed to produce several more vehicles than we had planned. We aim to maintain this positive trend until the end of the year and fulfill the plan at the level of 343,000 cars. Approximately 250 of our employees will ensure the preparation of the lines for their smooth commissioning after the holiday in the entire factory,” said the spokesperson of Kia Slovakia.
Kia Slovakia confirms its export orientation, exporting vehicles to 79 countries in the first half of the year. As in previous years, the main export markets were Great Britain (16.5%), Germany (10.6%), Spain (10%), Poland, and Italy (7.6% each).
The company also announced that the traditional summer shutdown will be held in the last week of July and the first week of August 2024. This will be used to implement significant technological improvements and prepare for future production. The body parts manufacturing facility is supposed to replace 4 palletizing robots. The sheet metal plant will undergo a generational renovation of 29 welding and manipulation robots, while the production lines will be modified for the production of new and electric models. A new feature will be the installation of an aluminum front hood. In the paint shop, 8 robots for applying the base color will be replaced, and new technologies will be installed that will enable the application of a new type of matte paint. The assembly plant is preparing for the introduction of a new electric model through modifications and adaptations on the production lines.
All investments and improvements underline Kia Slovakia’s commitment to continuous employee health protection, improvement of ergonomics and safety at work, modernization of production processes, and preparation for future challenges in the field of electromobility.
The car manufacturer takes care of the safety and health of its employees in the summer heat not only through the distribution of ionic drinks but especially through the operation of air conditioners directly in the production of assembly, engine shops, and body parts. Also, all rest areas in production and non-production rooms are air-conditioned.
During this period, the company also pays bonuses to employees. In June, it paid them their 13th salary in the amount of 75% to 110% of the basic salary, depending on the length of service, and in July, the employees were paid a three-month bonus in the amount of 320 euros.
