The Kia Slovakia production plant in Zilina, Slovakia officially launched series production of the fifth generation of the first-ever European Sportage model yesterday.
According to company spokesman Tomáš Potoček, they started the production model Sportage in the only European plant of the Kia brand built in 2006 and have produced so far more than two million units.
“The new Sportage model embodies the future of the innovated brand and our products. Despite the recent difficult situation, we have been able to successfully start series production of the latest generation of Sportage thanks to the determination and efforts of employees and suppliers,” said Seok Bong Kim, President and CEO of Kia Slovakia.
The fifth generation of the Sportage model that was showcased at the beginning of September this yeas is for the first time an special model dedicated to the European Union, this is the first time in the Sportage 28-year history.
“In this fifth generation, it will also be available to customers in the Middle East and Africa. Kia Slovakia will also produce electrified versions of the Sportage model. These will be mild-hybrid (MHEV), hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Standard models will have front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive option available, while the GT Line variant will also be in production from the beginning,” said Potoček.
Kia Sportage was the second model to be produced in Kia Slovakia plant since opened back in 2006. “It was the second generation and we produced more than 100,000 vehicles by 2010.” The third generation gained the sympathy of many customers, then in 2015 an with “The fourth generation of the Sportage can be described as a record, as more than one million pieces were produced from it,” added a spokesman from the carmaker.
