Kia Expands Production in Slovakia

Kia must be doing pretty well in Europe because it is expanding its factory in Zilina, Slovakia. Kia says that its sales are up 18.7% in Europe and 18.4% worldwide. It will be adding a third line to its factory in Zilina in early 2012 that will employ 1,000 more people.  

"The creation of the third shift at Zilina is the latest step in Kia's long-term process of building cars locally to best meet local consumers' needs and tastes," said Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe.

The Zilina factory produces the Sportage, Cee'd and Venga MPV. Kia manufactures 34.2% of its vehicles outside of Korea. It has factories in the US, China and Europe.