“The adjustment of production lines and installation of technologies for its production was realized from the beginning of the year and the trial production went smoothly," In-Kyu Bae, Kia Motors Slovakia said in a statement.
Trial production of the model began this March, with the manufacturing of the previous generation Sportage ending in May. The new line for the Sportage, as well as the production target set for the SUV will bring the total output of Kia's Slovakian plant to some 200,000 units in 2010.
The 2011 Sportage, revealed at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), with more European-like lines, has been drawn by former Audi designer Peter Schreyer.
The SUV shares the platform with the Hyundai ix35, a feature making it bigger than the previous generation. For Europe the Sportage will get the same 1.7l and 2.0l diesel, as well as the 1.6l and 2.0l gasoline units as the iX35.
The car is equipped with an ISG system (idle start go), allowing it to provide reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
"The Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice, just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story," Kia said when the car was shown at the Geneva Auto Show.
Google News