SOUTH Korean carmaker KIA Motors Slovakia began its official test production on June 9 in its first European plant in Teplička nad Váhom, near Žilina.
Kia Motors Slovakia president In-Kyu Bae has said that plant's production strategy is focused on quality, flexibility, and productivity. "I'm very satisfied, and deeply moved by the fact that we built the plant with Slovak employees. We are proud of them. I'm sure that the best workers are in Slovakia because Slovaks have the desire to learn new technologies," said In-Kyu Bae.
After viewing the plant, Slovak Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda and In Kyu-Bae had a spin in the new Kia model, which the company will introduce in Paris in early March of 2007. The name of the model has yet to be revealed.
Kia is investing around Sk37.88 billion (€1 billion) in its plant near Žilina. Full production will begin at the end of 2006. The Kia plan is to produce 300,000 cars and motors annually, and employ around 3,000 people in three-shift operation.
Compiled by Marta Ďurianová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
