Iraq's State Company for Automotive Industry completed production of the first batch of 360 single-cab Kia field vehicles, assembled entirely by Iraqi workers in partnership with Kia, the organisation said in its press release on February 2. 

The organisation's site shows that it previously produced a range of cars and vehicles for different manufacturers including having a deal with Iran's SAIPA for the low-cost "Pride" called the "Saba" in Iraq and used for many years as the cheapest entry vehicle to driving in the country. 

The company's Director General, Dana Saadallah Saeed, announced the completion of production of 360 model Kia 2700 field cars "after being completely assembled in the Babylon Laboratory for the production of cars belonging to the company with pure national hands and experiences."

Saeed said this was the first batch of 1,000 cars planned to be assembled in the next period. She explained that "the process of assembly completed through an integrated line that includes 8 major phases, including assembly of the chassis and its components, oil and fuel stations, cooling gas stations, and body assembly on the chassis."

The vehicles then pass through "the vehicle inspection hall containing all necessary technical and engineering inspections, before undergoing a specialized road inspection and direct supervision of the quality control, and approving the assembly process according to the approved standards," she added.

The director general confirmed that "Kia Field Cars have a great demand in the local market for its durability and high efficiency, and meets the needs of citizens, the production and service sectors."

She said the achievement comes in addition to previous successes, noting that "over the past years (2744) saloon cars with various models have been assembled, including (Optima, Karns, Picanto, Cerato), in addition to (3044) Kia carried car."

Saeed signalled "the company's commitment to continue developing production lines and promoting global partnerships, which contributes to achieving added value to the Iraqi industry."

The State Company for Automotive Industry operates under Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals. The steady expansion of local assembly capabilities demonstrates Iraq's growing automotive manufacturing sector, with the Babylon facility serving as the primary production hub for Kia vehicles in the country.

Kia is a South Korean automotive manufacturer founded in 1944 and a member of the Hyundai Motor Group. The company designs and manufactures passenger cars, SUVs, vans and commercial vehicles, with production facilities and sales operations spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. The partnership with Iraq represents part of Kia's broader strategy to expand assembly operations in emerging markets across the Middle East region.