Hyundai WIA starts production at new Slovakia plant

Hyundai WIA has begun mass-producing key automotive components at its new plant in Slovakia, establishing a European production hub as it expands its presence in the region’s electric vehicle market.

Hyundai WIA held a ceremony marking the start of mass production at the plant in Martin, ?ilina Region, on Sept. 30, the company said Thursday.

The facility will produce constant-velocity joints, or CV joints, and coolant modules, with annual capacity of up to 800,000 CV joints and 280,000 coolant modules.

CV joints transfer power from a vehicle’s drivetrain to its wheels and are critical to driving stability.

The components will be supplied to Hyundai Motor, Kia and other global automakers. Hyundai WIA plans to focus supplies on dedicated battery-electric models including the Kia EV2 and EV4 as it targets Europe’s growing EV market.

“Through continued investment, we aim to expand the Slovak unit’s CV joint production capacity by as much as fivefold,” a Hyundai WIA official said. “We also plan to diversify the plant’s product lineup beyond coolant modules.”

Attendees at the ceremony included Hyundai WIA President and CEO Kwon O-sung; Denisa Sakov?, Slovakia’s deputy prime minister and economy minister; and Erik Tom??, minister of labor, social affairs and family.

Hyundai WIA Slovakia, established in April 2023, relocated its production facilities from another location in the country to the new plant in Martin to build a larger manufacturing base.

The company said the relocation was intended to prepare for higher production volumes over the medium to long term and secure a stable manufacturing foundation.