Hyundai Motor affiliate Kia has geared up to built an 18-model Sportage SUV model range at its new factory in Slovakia.
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This is the second model line for the new eastern European plant which already builds the Ceed/Proceed models with three body variants and multiple engine, transmission and trim combinations.
The Sportage, previously imported fully assembled from South Korea, will be built in Slovakia in 18 variations with petrol and diesel engines, manual or automatic transmissions and various trim/equipment specifications, from which individual market distributors can choose – not all versions will be offered in all countries.
The Zilina plant, officially opened last year, already has 2,400 staff working two shifts. Kia has targeted 100 cars per employee per year once the factory is fully operational.
The lightly updated 2008 Sportage will be launched at the Frankfurt motor show next month with re-styled front grille, black bezel headlamps, enlarged door mirrors, new-style alloy wheels, a broader range of paint finishes and body-colour bumpers for all models.
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By GlobalDataTechnical improvements introduced simultaneously with manufacturing the 2008 model in Europe include more direct power steering, 16-inch wheels with 215/65 R16 tyres, stiffer suspension dampers for improved handling and reduced body roll plus larger, 300mm diameter front brake discs.
Interior changes include larger front seats and a more comfortable rear seat mounted 5mm lower to increase headroom.
Redesigned door mirror housings and improved electric sunroof seals reduce wind noise and towing capacity – needed by caravan-towing European buyers – is 12.5% up to a maximum 1800kg.
Zilina’s unique rotation dipping painting process, which rotates each body shell through a forward somersault while immersed in the electro-plating tank has prompted Kia to give the 2008 Sportage a new 10-year anti-corrosion warranty – an increase of four years over the Korean-built versions.
Jean-Charles Lievens, senior vice president of Kia Motors Europe, said over 100,000 Sportage models had been sold since launch in 2004.
It had “played a key role, together with the larger Sorento SUV and smaller Picanto city car, in raising public awareness of the Kia brand across the broadest spread of European consumers,” he added.
