Kia has had to ramp up production at its new €1 billion Zilina assembly line in Slovakia due to success of the Cee’d.

Since the first Cee’d five-door rolled off the line in December 2006, more than 24,000 cars have been built. Initial plans were to produce 5,000 cars a month in the first quarter of 2007 on one shift, but a second shift has been added and Kia plans to manufacture 12,000 cars in March and April, moving up to 14,000 in May.

‘Production at Zilina is progressing really well and vehicle quality is being maintained at the very highest standards,’ commented Jean-Charles Lievens, senior vice president Kia Motors Europe.

‘The introduction of the Cee’d is bringing about a qualitative revolution for the Kia brand that will change how we are perceived by consumers across Europe.’