At the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad, hundreds of Kia vehicles sit idle, unfinished and awaiting the necessary components to move from the assembly line to showrooms. The disruption stems from a halt in the supply chain for electronic parts, a gap that has stalled production but not the demand for the brand. The situation was documented by Autonews, which captured the scale of the idle inventory and the challenge of completing these cars under current conditions.
Images released by the outlet reveal long rows of vehicles standing in the yard, including popular Kia models such as the Seltos and Soul crossovers, along with Kia Cerato sedans. Factory representatives explained to the reporter that these cars were produced before February 24, 2022, yet could not be finished due to persistent difficulties in obtaining electronic components. Some cars lack instrument panels, others are missing media systems, and several are missing interior trim parts. The gaps illustrate how even modern facilities can be stymied by a fragile supply chain, leaving completed shells that cannot yet be driven off the lot.
The plant’s leadership indicated a continued effort to locate and secure the missing parts so the assembly line can be completed and the vehicles redirected toward sales channels as soon as feasible. The push to resolve the shortages is underscored by a plan to reassemble and reintroduce these cars into the market once the components are available, and to verify that all safety and quality standards are met before delivery.
Additionally, Avtotor is entering discussions with potential partners who could provide alternatives to BMW products, signaling a strategic move to diversify offerings and stabilize supply chains amid ongoing disruptions. These talks aim to identify viable collaboration opportunities that could replace or complement the current product lineup, reflecting broader efforts to adapt to shifting market dynamics and ensure continued production capacity in a challenging environment.
Earlier reporting noted related dynamics in neighboring regions, where authorities and industry players have been adjusting policies and procurement strategies in response to market demands and local manufacturing priorities. The evolving situation illustrates how regional manufacturers adapt to global supply pressures while seeking options to keep factories productive and workers employed. (Autonews)