Why Kia Chose Nuevo León to Manufacture the K4 Sportswagon

Kia has confirmed that its plant located in Pesquería, Nuevo León, will manufacture the new K4 Sportswagon, a model specifically designed for the European market, where it will progressively replace the Kia Ceed. This decision reinforces Mexico’s role as a manufacturing platform amidst the reconfiguration of global supply chains and the transition towards cleaner technologies. The project is part of a $150 million investment aimed at strengthening the plant’s export capacity and aligns with a strategy to diversify markets beyond North America, within an environment of increasing global competition and regulatory demands in Europe.

Specialized Production and Export Focus from Nuevo León

The K4 Sportswagon will not be commercialized in Mexico, owing to the low demand for this body type compared to the predominance of SUVs in the domestic market. In contrast, family vehicles maintain a strong presence in Europe, particularly within corporate and urban mobility segments. Production of the K4 Hatchback for Europe is slated to begin by late 2025, with the United Kingdom as the initial destination, while the Sportswagon variant will integrate into the production line during 2026. From Nuevo León, these vehicles will be exported to 16 European countries, including Germany, Spain, France, and Portugal.

Hybrid Innovation Manufactured in Mexico

One of the most significant elements of the project is the incorporation of

, with a Full Hybrid (HEV) version confirmed for 2026, in addition to 1.0T and 1.6T GDI turbocharged engines. This will mark the first time Kia produces a hybrid model destined for the European market in Mexico, aligning with the European Union’s environmental and energy efficiency standards. In terms of product specifications, the K4 Sportswagon boasts a cargo capacity of 604 liters, significantly surpassing the hatchback version, and a length of 4,696 millimeters (4.696 meters), positioning it within the highly demanded C and D segments in Europe.

Nuevo León, a Strategic Hub for Automotive Exports

The allocation of the K4 Sportswagon to the Pesquería plant is underpinned by its operational performance. As of August 2024, the facility achieved the milestone of two million units produced since its opening in 2016 and has been recognized as the plant with the highest production quality within Kia’s global network. This strategic move gains significance within a challenging industry landscape. During 2025, Mexico exported 3.38 million vehicles, representing an annual decline of 2.68%, the first such drop since 2020. In contrast, Nuevo León led state-level growth in automotive exports, achieving a 10.9% increase and consolidating its position as a key logistics hub for high-value markets.

Kia Nuevo León: Economic Impact and Global Positioning

At a corporate level, Kia concluded 2025 with record sales in Mexico, selling 111,172 units, an annual growth of 6.5%, achieving a market share of 7.3%, and solidifying its position within the Top 5 brands in the country. The production of the K4 Sportswagon in Nuevo León not only strengthens Kia’s presence in Europe but also confirms the relevance of Mexican manufacturing in the transition towards electrified mobility, industrial sophistication, and export diversification in 2026.

The entry

first appeared in Líder Empresarial.