A more favourable exchange rate and inadequate supply from South Korea has resulted in Kia Australia switching Sportage SUV sourcing to Slovakia.
Australia’s GoAutoNews said this has allowed the local unit to cut the price by up to A$1500.
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Parent Hyundai Motor also now sources some of its Australian ix35 range from Europe – the plant is in the Czech Republic. The ix35 and Sportage share platforms and drivetrains and the two plants supply each other with engines and gearboxes.
“Really, the only problem we have had since the arrival of the Sportage is getting enough to meet demand,” Kia Motors Australia chief operating officer Tony Barlow told GoAutoNews.
“The opportunity to have consistent supply by taking production from Europe makes perfect sense and will benefit customers and dealers alike.”
Along with the switch comes a minor reshuffle of engine and trim level choice.
