Where Are Kia Automobiles Made?
Kia has evolved from a domestic South Korean brand to a global automotive powerhouse. As of 2025, Kia operates a network of advanced manufacturing facilities across the world, enabling the company to serve both regional and international markets with efficiency and flexibility. But where are Kia automobiles made, and what models come from each location?
This guide explores Kia’s global production footprint, detailing each plant’s role, output, and regional importance.
EXPLORE THE 2025 KIA MODELSOverview: Kia’s Global Manufacturing Strategy
Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, has implemented a globalization strategy that allows it to reduce costs, respond to local market needs, and mitigate risks from supply chain disruptions. Kia vehicles are built in multiple countries, with certain models tailored to local demands while others are manufactured for global export.
Below is a summary table of Kia’s major production sites worldwide:
Primary Kia Manufacturing Facilities (2025)
| Country | City/Region | Key Models Produced | Annual Capacity | Main Market Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Gwangmyeong, Hwaseong, Gwangju | Carnival, EV6, K9, EV9, Sportage, Seltos, Soul | 1,590,000+ | Global Export |
| United States | West Point, Georgia | Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, K5, EV9 | 340,000 | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Mexico | Pesquería, Nuevo León | Forte, Rio, Hyundai Accent (2016–2022) | 300,000 | Americas (N. & S.) |
| Slovakia | Žilina | Sportage, cee’d family (including Pro_cee’d) | 330,000 | Europe |
| India | Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh | Seltos, Sonet, Carens, Carnival | 300,000 | India and emerging markets |
| China | Yancheng, Jiangsu | K3, K5, Seltos, Stonic, EV5 | 430,000 | Domestic China |
| Pakistan | Karachi | Picanto, Sportage, Sorento | N/A | Pakistan |
| Vietnam | Chu Lai, Quảng Nam Province | Multiple (under CKD with Thaco) | N/A | Vietnam |
| Uzbekistan | Jizzakh | K5, Seltos, K8 | 25,000 | Central Asia |
South Korea: Kia’s Industrial Backbone
Kia was founded in South Korea in 1944, and the country remains the company’s largest and most advanced production base.
- Sohari Plant (Gwangmyeong): Kia’s first fully integrated plant, producing the Carnival minivan, the K9 luxury sedan, and electric models like the EV6 and EV9.
- Hwaseong Plant: Specializes in mid-size and compact vehicles, including sedans and SUVs such as the K5 and Sportage.
- Gwangju Plant: Manufactures compact cars and crossovers, often exported to global markets.
These plants not only assemble vehicles but also serve as hubs for R&D and quality assurance. Many of the vehicles built here are shipped to markets across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
North America: United States and Mexico
United States – West Point, Georgia
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), opened in 2009, is Kia’s largest facility outside Korea. It produces several of Kia’s most popular models in the U.S. and Canada, such as:
- Kia Telluride (a North American-exclusive SUV)
- Kia Sorento
- Kia K5 sedan
- Kia Sportage
- Select EV9 models (starting in late 2024 for North America)
With over 3,000 employees, KMMG is one of the most advanced automotive plants in the southeastern U.S. Its proximity to major markets significantly reduces logistics costs.
Mexico – Pesquería, Nuevo León
EXPLORE THE 2025 KIA MODELSThe Mexico plant became operational in 2016 and focuses on compact sedans such as the Rio and Forte, with previous production including Hyundai’s Accent. Located strategically to serve both North and South America, this facility is crucial to Kia’s affordability-focused vehicle lineup.
Europe: Slovakia’s High-Quality Production
Kia’s Žilina plant in Slovakia plays a major role in European supply. It produces vehicles such as:
- Kia Sportage (European-spec)
- Kia cee’d series (including cee’d, Pro_cee’d, and cee’d SW)
This facility is known for its advanced automation, flexible manufacturing lines, and high build quality. Kia Slovakia exports to more than 80 countries and contributes significantly to the local economy.
India: Rapidly Growing Hub
Kia India began operations in 2019 and quickly rose to become one of the largest players in the Indian market. Located in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, this plant manufactures:
- Kia Seltos
- Kia Sonet
- Kia Carens
- Kia Carnival (limited volume)
India is both a consumer and an export hub, sending vehicles to the Middle East, Latin America, and some ASEAN countries.
China: Strategic Partnerships for the Domestic Market
Kia’s Chinese operations are conducted through a joint venture with Dongfeng Yueda Kia (DYK). The Yancheng facility produces:
- Kia K3 and K5 (Chinese domestic sedans)
- Kia Seltos and Stonic
- Kia EV5 (electric crossover)
Production has been adjusted in recent years due to declining market share in China. However, EV-focused efforts are currently in place to rebuild momentum.
Smaller Markets: Pakistan, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan
Pakistan – Karachi
In partnership with Lucky Motor Corporation, Kia assembles vehicles such as:
- Picanto
- Sportage
- Sorento
- Grand Carnival
This operation focuses on knock-down (CKD) kits to reduce import taxes and make vehicles more affordable.
Vietnam – Chu Lai (with Thaco)
Kia partners with Truong Hai Auto (Thaco) to produce various vehicles under CKD. While exact models vary, it remains a critical region for low-cost production and local market penetration.
Uzbekistan – Jizzakh
Kia’s recent entry into Central Asia includes limited production of mid-size sedans and SUVs like the K5 and Seltos. This small-scale facility supports regional demand.
Final Assembly vs. Full Manufacturing
Not all Kia vehicles are fully manufactured at these locations. Some sites perform Complete Knock-Down (CKD) or Semi Knock-Down (SKD) assembly, where parts are imported and assembled locally. This strategy is commonly used in developing markets to:
- Reduce tariffs
- Lower logistics costs
- Create local jobs
- Comply with regional production requirements
Conclusion: A Truly Global Automaker
So, where are Kia automobiles made? The answer is across the globe—spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and emerging markets. South Korea remains the innovation and manufacturing core, but facilities in the United States, Slovakia, India, and Mexico are critical to meeting regional demand and sustaining global competitiveness.
Kia’s global production footprint not only ensures timely delivery and cost-effective logistics.
