Kia Sorento demand forces company to add third shift to Georgia plant

People can’t get enough of the Kia Sorento and neither can dealers. With that in mind, Kia plans on adding a third shift at its plant in West Point, Ga. to boost production of the Sorento. Tom Loveless, Kia’s U.S. sales boss, said that the company’s Georgia plant is recruiting workers to staff a third shift.

Loveless did not provide a date for the start of production.

Increasing the availability of top-selling products will be a key point for Kia as it tries to keep its momentum going in the United States. The Korean brand posted a 19 percent increase in sales in 2010 and increased its market share from 2.9 percent to 3.1.

Kia Sorento sales quadrupled last year to 109,000 and dealers have been reporting shortage for months. Inventory is also getting tight for other popular vehicles including the Kia Sportage and the new Optima.

2011 Kia Sorento:

-By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News