KIA sees demand for Slovak made cars increase

DESPITE the economic downturn Kia Motors reports sales in Europe are on the rise. The company says they have seen major improvements in eight countries:

• Slovakia,
  
• Austria,
  
• Germany,
  
• Poland
  
• Czech Republic,
  
• Sweden,
  
• France, and
  
• Portugal
  

with total sales in April at 20,500 units.

Kia's role in Slovakia
The Euro 1 billion plant in Zilina, Slovakia is 200 kilometres north-east of Bratislava and has a capacity of 300,000 units a year and signifies Kia’s major commitment to the European market. The company is also constructing a new European headquarters and design centre in the centre of Frankfurt alongside the Messe which hosts the bi-annual motor show.

The Kia Motors Slovakia facility has created more than 3,000 jobs in the Zilina region and a number of suppliers are also constructing plants either alongside the new factory or in nearby regions. In total more than 10,000 jobs have been generated by the factory.

More than 4,500 job applications have been received with two-thirds having a university education and English language skills.

Kia has selected a number of tier-one suppliers for the plant including existing partners Hyundai Mobis and Hyundai Hysco. Other suppliers include Johnson Controls and PHA (Arvin Meritor) for seats and door modules.