Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) recently celebrated the Grand Opening ceremony of its new electric vehicle (EV) plant located in the US state of Georgia. The event was graced by the group’s executive chairman Euisun Chung and marked a significant milestone for the South Korean automaker. This comes at a time when the US government, under President Donald Trump, announced plans to impose a 25% duty on vehicles and components imported into the country starting from the 2nd of April.
The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) is the third vehicle plant established by HMG in the US, with a production capacity of 300,000 battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles annually. Production at the facility commenced at the end of 2024 with the Ioniq 5 BEV, followed by the introduction of the new Ioniq 9 model in the first quarter of 2025. Further expansion is planned for 2026 with the introduction of a Kia-branded model.
The inauguration of the plant signifies HMG’s commitment to manufacturing in the US, where the company has already invested over US$20 billion and created 570,000 local jobs. In a bid to further localize production, HMG announced plans to invest an additional US$21 billion in the country over the next four years. This includes expanding the production capacity at the HMGMA facility to 500,000 units per year.
With the addition of the new plant, HMG now has a total production capacity of 1 million vehicles per year in the US. Last year, the group sold a total of 1.7 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis-branded vehicles in the US, with approximately 1.15 million units imported from South Korea.
During the event, Euisun Chung expressed his confidence in building the future of mobility in America, stating, “Hyundai has come to Georgia to stay, to invest, and to grow.” The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability is evident in its commitment to manufacturing high-quality electric vehicles in the US.
The expansion of the HMGMA facility not only demonstrates HMG’s dedication to the US market but also reinforces its position as a key player in the global automotive industry. The investment in local production reflects HMG’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and collaboration with American stakeholders.
As Hyundai continues to make strides in the electric vehicle market, the inauguration of the new plant serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of mobility in America.