The five-door Kia EV4 is the brand’s first fully electric vehicle to be manufactured in Europe, as Kia begins series production of the new model. The start of production follows extensive updates to Kia’s sole European manufacturing facility in Slovakia and represents a major step forward in Kia’s electrification strategy for the region.
An electric hatchback designed specifically for the European market, the EV4 is assembled exclusively at Kia AutoLand Slovakia.
“The start of EV4 production is a huge milestone for us. It demonstrates the technical capability and flexibility of our European operations,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “From 20 August, Slovakia will build fully electric cars alongside models with hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. Through the expansion of our production capabilities, we are supporting our diverse European customer base even more.”
Kia’s manufacturing facility in Žilina, Slovakia, is a cornerstone of the company’s European operations. Opened in 2004, the two-square-kilometre plant is strategically located for serving key European markets. It employs around 3,700 people and operates with more than 600 advanced robots. The plant can produce multiple model variants simultaneously across five main production areas: press, body, paint, engine, and assembly.
Following a €108-million investment, the production lines have been modernised with new technologies, including an EV battery conveyor at the chassis line in the assembly shop.
The Žilina plant produces other models such as the Kia XCeed and Kia Sportage. This includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which have accounted for 25% of the facility’s total annual output as of 2024.
With an annual capacity of 350,000 vehicles and 540,000 engines, the facility has produced more than five million units since opening, which are exported to 83 countries. These figures account for approximately 11% of the company’s global vehicle output.
