Kia Slovakia Looking to Roll Out 300,000 Cars This Year

Teplicka nad Vahom, 21 February (TASR) - Car-manufacturer Kia Slovakia plans to produce 300,000 vehicles at its plant in Teplicka nad Vahom (Zilina region) this year, company spokesperson Tomas Potocek confirmed for TASR earlier this week, adding that the carmaker is in the process of continuing the most significant transition it has undergone since it was set up. "This is part of a long-term strategy to transition from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to electrified and now fully electric vehicles. The aim of this change is to ensure that production in Slovakia is sustainable and to support the long-term growth of the Kia brand in Europe," said Potocek. According to him, the transformation of the automotive industry and increasing competition don't only affect end manufacturers, but also the entire supply chain. The carmaker rolled out a total of 296,550 vehicles last year, a drop in output of around 15-percent year-on-year. This year's production volume isn't expected to change significantly when compared with last year. "The production plan for 2026 is set at 300,000 vehicles, including the launch of the new EV2 electric model as the most affordable and most compact electric car of the Kia brand," added Potocek. Kia Slovakia is Kia Corporation's only manufacturing plant in Europe. It was built between 2004-2006. Car and engine production began in December 2006. The average salary for production workers reached €2,540 per month in 2025. jrg/df/mf