Kia Unveils Production Plant in Kazakhstan, Launching New Era for Nations Automotive Industry

• Kia opens new Qazaqstan LLP production plant in Kostanay, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role as a regional automotive hub
• The plant, launched in cooperation with Kazakhstan partners, represents USD 310 million in direct investment
• Opening ceremony held in attendance of 350 guests, including Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who took part in the event via teleconference and Kia Corporation President and CEO Ho Sung Song
• The plant will be able to assemble up to 70,000 units annually, when reaching full capacity
• Production begins with Kia Sorento in October 2025, followed by updated Sportage in January 2026
• High level of automation, 68 robots, and full-cycle operations ensure Kia’s global-standard quality

Kia Corporation and its strategic Kazakhstani partners have held an opening ceremony of the new Kia Qazaqstan LLP Plant in Kostanay in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Kia Qazaqstan plant represents a major direct investment by a global automotive leader into Kazakhstan’s engineering and industrial capacity, underscoring the country’s growing role as a hub for advanced manufacturing in Central Asia.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan delivered a congratulatory speech online during the opening ceremony. The event was also attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation, and Andrey Lavrentyev, Chairman of the Board of Directors Allur automobile company, also attended the opening ceremony, along with national and regional leaders and significant business partners.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, “Today’s significant event is a bright example of the strategic partnership and successful relations between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea is a reliable partner for Kazakhstan in Asia. Kia is a corporation of the future, whose vehicles harmoniously combine advanced technology, distinctive design, and high reliability. I am confident that the Kia plant will become a new growth point for the Kazakh automotive industry. The new facility will also contribute to the dynamic renewal of the domestic vehicle fleet.”

The new plant embodies a direct investment of USD 310 million, strengthening the local economy and robust eco-system of automotive industry. Located on a dedicated 630,000 m² site, the Kia Qazaqstan plant is one of the most automated automotive facilities in Kazakhstan. Equipped with around 68 advanced robots, it ensures Kia global standard quality and efficiency.

The plant’s full-cycle operations – from body welding and painting to assembly and testing – set a new benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and safety in the region. Initial production will begin with the Kia Sorento in October 2025, followed by the updated Sportage model in January 2026. The plant has an annual capacity of assembling up to 70,000 units. In the future, the production lineup will expand in line with demand and localization progress, further reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as an emerging automotive hub.

Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song, said, “We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support from the government of Kazakhstan, the Kostanay region, and our strategic partners. Kia Qazaqstan will play a vital role in laying a strong foundation for the development of the automotive industry in Kazakhstan. We aspire to establish Kia as trusted national brand in Kazakhstan, built on lasting partnerships with its people, business, and institutions. Your firm belief in our journey together has led us to this defining moment, one that allows us to proudly say ‘Made in Kazakhstan’.”

The Kia Qazaqstan plant represents more than a landmark of advanced manufacturing. It is a foundation for future localization, the development of a supplier cluster, and deeper industrial cooperation between Korea and Kazakhstan. By combining modern production technologies, local expertise, and strategic logistics, the plant positions Kazakhstan as a rising center of automotive excellence.