Kia begins full-scale production of Sportage HEV at HMGMA in the U.S.

*This content was translated by AI.

Kia Motors America and Hyundai Motor Group MetaPlant America (HMGMA) have officially begun full-scale production of the Sportage HEV (HEV) at its Elba plant in Georgia, U.S. The two companies held a production commencement ceremony at HMGMA on the 2nd (local time).

The Sportage HEV is the first Kia model and the first HEV vehicle produced at HMGMA. It joins the production lineup as the third vehicle, following the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9. At the ceremony, the first production vehicle was brought onto the stage on an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Ms. Marty Kemp rode in the vehicle.

Through the production of this HEV model, Kia aims to strengthen its role as a key electrification production hub covering both electric vehicles and HEVs. This will enable the company to expand the scale of SUV production and sales for the U.S. market. Additionally, Kia plans to further accelerate the electrification of its entire lineup. By combining production capacities from its existing West Point, Georgia plant and HMGMA, Kia will secure an annual production capacity of up to 550,000 vehicles in the U.S. by 2030.

Attendees at the event included Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Kia North America Regional President Yoon Seung-kyu, HMGMA Executive Vice President Heo Tae-sang, and Consul General Lee Jun-ho of Atlanta. Governor Kemp praised HMGMA for building an excellent team with talent from Georgia and emphasized that this success stems from a proven partnership with Georgia citizens and the local community. Yoon Seung-gyu (President) stated that MetaPlant represents Kia's second major investment in Georgia and added that the best-selling Sportage HEV will further strengthen growth in the U.S.

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*This content was translated by AI.