OREANDA-NEWS. On March 23, 2007 Izhevsk Automobile Factory (a part of SOK Group) started producing sport-utility vehicle KIA Sorento, reported the press-centre of  OJSC “IzhAvto”.


The decision to produce third KIA model at OJSC “IzhAvto” was reached on the 31st of October 2006 and took the form of the Agreement “On technical cooperation and providing licence” between OJSC “IzhAvto” and KIA Motors Corporation (South Korea) group of companies. Production of KIA Sorrento is carried out under the Regulation 166 of the Russian Federation Government. Production of KIA Spectra (DKD began in March 2004, CKD – in August 2005) and KIA Rio (DKD started in December 2006) in Izhevsk is carried out according to the same arrangements.


Production of KIA Sorento in Izhevsk will be launched in two stages. During the first stage (DKD assembly), covering 2007 and the first 6 months of 2008, OJSC “Izhavto” will manufacture 13,900 Korean SUVs: 8,100 in 2007 and 5,800 in 2008. Full-scale production (CKD) of KIA Sorento, including assembly, paint coating and assembly will start in summer of 2008. These cars will be distributed via SOKIA dealer network.


"KIA Sorento sport-utility vehicle is going to take a decent place in the Russian market. There is a steady demand for these KIA Motors new generation body-on-frame SUVs suitable for both city and cross-country driving. Among its advantages are: a successful restyling, increased safety level, powerful engine – either diesel or gasoline. In 2006 almost 5,000 KIA Sorento cars were sold in Russia, and the popularity of this model with the Russian motorists will grow after we start producing it at Izhevsk automobile plant. Increase in demand is guaranteed by high assembly quality, flexible pricing, high-level sales service and maintenance in SOKIA dealer network”, - said SOKIA general manager Sergei Shabanov.