In Žilina, they started the production of the fifth generation Kie Sportage. Despite the crisis – PRAVDA.sk

Since 2006, more than two million Kie Sportages have come off the assembly lines in Žilina. However, the fifth generation is different. For the first time in its 28-year history, it was developed especially for European customers.

Photo: Kia

Kia Sportage – production in Žilina November 2021 The fifth-generation Kia Sportage hit the production plant in Žilina despite the chip crisis in the automotive industry. Kia is one of the brands that best withstands the shortcomings of semiconductor components.

Kia unveiled the fifth generation SUV Sportage in early September at the IAA Mobility in Munich. This model is especially important for Slovakia, because it comes from the production lines of the plant of this Korean carmaker in Žilina. This plant is the only Sportage production site for the whole of Europe. It has been produced here since 2006. During that time, more than two million pieces have come off the assembly lines. Of which 104,500 pieces of the second generation, 797,500 pieces of the third generation and more than one million pieces of the fourth generation, which have been assembled in Žilina since 2015.

The fifth generation will also be produced for Europe exclusively in Žilina. Serial production was launched by Kia on November 2. However, it is different compared to the previous ones, because for the first time in the 28-year history of this model, the Sportage was developed especially for European customers. It is slightly shorter than the global version and has a completely different rear part with a dynamic “cut” of the rear pillar. It also brings a two-color lacquered body with a contrasting roof. In addition to the standard front-wheel drive versions, all-wheel drive variants as well as GT-Line variants will also be produced in Slovakia.

In February 2022, the offer will be expanded for the first time by a plug-in hybrid version with an output of 195 kW and a purely electric range of approximately 50 km. This also documents the flexibility of the Žilina plant. “The new Sportage model embodies the future of our innovative brand and our products. Despite the difficult situation in the recent period, thanks to the determination and efforts of all employees and suppliers, we have been able to prepare and successfully start series production of the latest generation of the Sportage model, “said Seok Bong Kim, President and CEO of Kia Slovakia.

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