One Millionth Engine Produced at Kia Motors Slovakia

Kia Motors’ production plant in Zilina, Slovakia, reached a significant production milestone today, having produced its one millionth engine. The facility is currently producing more than 1,350 engines per day in a three-shift operation. The landmark engine is a 1.4-litre gasoline unit that will ultimately be destined for fitment in a Kia cee’d or Soul model. This efficient engine is one of the most popular in the company‘s history. "We produced one million engines in less than five years since volume production was launched. This is clearly a major achievement, and highlights the continuous effort and commitment of each of our dedicated employees," said Myung-Chul Chung, President and CEO of Kia Motors Slovakia.

Gasoline engines have accounted for 60% of total production since the opening of the Zilina facility in 2006. The production output is currently running at 300,000 units per year, but this will increase substantially, to 450,000 units annually, once full production capacity is reached in the second half of 2011 for the newly-extended facility. The expansion programme, which began in April 2010 and was completed in April 2011, is the result of a €100 million investment by Kia Motors in Slovakia. The extension of the engine production capacity also resulted in the creation of more than 200 new jobs.