KIA has officially opened its Zilina plant in Slovakia, its first ever European factory. It was hosted by Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group chairman Mong-Ku Chung together with Slovakian prime minister Robert Fico and Zilina mayor Ivan Harman.

The plant aims to produce 300,000 units annually.

Chairman Chung said: ‘Zilina is the ultimate showcase for the new technology and automotive know-how that Kia has accumulated over the years.’