Hyundai Adds Third Shift, Launches Production of the Kia Rio at St. Petersburg Plant

Hyundai Motors Manufacturing RUS (HMMR) today launched a third production shift and began serial production of a new model, the third generation Kia Rio compact, at its plant in St. Petersburg. The factory will churn out around 20 thousand Rios this year, and approx. 100 thousand in 2012. HMMR initially will build the new Rio as a four-door sedan, adding its hatchback derivative to line in 1Q 2012. Similar to its sister model, the Hyundai Solaris, the Rio will be offered with two engine options, including a 1.4 litre and a 1.6 litre in-line four cylinder petrol engine, capable of 105 and 123 hp.

HMMR introduced a second shift in April, after the plant started to produce up to 10 thousand cars a month. With the 24-hours working regime, monthly production capacity grew to 13 thousand units.

Besides the new Rio, Hyundai’s St Petersburg plant currently makes the Hyundai Solaris sedan and hatchback.