Kia Corporation has inaugurated the Kia Qazaqstan LLP Plant in Kostanay, Kazakhstan, marking a major milestone in the nation’s industrial development and a significant investment by a leading global automaker in Central Asia.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior leaders from both nations, including Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who delivered a congratulatory address online, and First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar.
Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song and Allur Group Chairman Andrey Lavrentyev were also present, alongside government officials and business partners.
President Tokayev described the event as a symbol of strong cooperation between Kazakhstan and South Korea, highlighting Kia as “a corporation of the future” that combines advanced technology, design, and reliability.
He expressed confidence that the new facility would drive the renewal of Kazakhstan’s domestic vehicle fleet and become a growth engine for the national automotive industry.
Representing a direct investment of $310 million, the 630,000-square-meter facility is among the most advanced and automated in the country, featuring 68 high-precision robots to ensure global production standards.
The plant’s full-cycle operations, from body welding and painting to assembly and testing, set new benchmarks for efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Initial production will begin with the Kia Sorento in October 2025, followed by the new-generation Sportage in January 2026.
The facility has an annual capacity of up to 70,000 units, with plans to expand production in line with market demand and localization goals.
Kia CEO Ho Sung Song said the project underscores the company’s commitment to Kazakhstan’s industrial growth. “Kia Qazaqstan will play a vital role in laying a strong foundation for the development of the automotive industry in Kazakhstan,” he said.
“We aspire to establish Kia as a trusted national brand built on lasting partnerships with its people and institutions.”
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