Kia decided to change the factory from the Czech Republic to the one in Zilina, Slovakia. Here is actually the place the Sportage crossover is built for the European market.
The model is not really such a big star in the product offering, but in 2010 won an award in the "product design" category for the MPV's departure from the conventional mini-van profile.
This is not all. The Venga also got the 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating after the carmaker changed a little the seat belts. The model had its first tests at the beginning of last year. After that, the engineers made some changes and sent it again to Euro NCAP for more testing. Last year, in September the car entered production.
The carmaker equipped all models that are being sold in Europe with ABS, Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Assist Control, six airbags, front passenger airbag cut-off switch, anchors and impact-sensing auto door unlocking, ISOFIX child seat top tethers and all-round three-point seatbelts with front-belt pre-tensioners and reminder warning.
The plant in Zilina expands all the time and now will include a third shift and a second engine shop. Also extra 1.000 people will be working here having now a total of 4.000 employees.