Ellabell: Hyundai Motor Group celebrated the opening of its new electric vehicle (EV) factory in Georgia, marking a significant step in its strategy to enhance production localization within the United States. The facility, named Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), is set to bolster the company's global expansion while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility.
According to Yonhap News Agency, HMGMA will also function as a hub to strengthen economic ties between Korea and the United States. The opening ceremony was attended by key figures, including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Co. CEO Jose Munoz, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and Representative Buddy Carter.
During the event, Chung expressed his confidence in building the future of mobility in collaboration with America. He emphasized Hyundai's commitment to investing and growing in Georgia. Situated on an 11.83 million-square-meter site in Ellabell, the plant has an initial production capacity of 300,000 cars annually, with plans to increase output to 500,000 units per year.
This facility is Hyundai Motor Group's third production plant in the U.S., complementing Hyundai Motor's existing plant in Alabama and Kia Corp.'s factory in Georgia. With the addition of HMGMA, Hyundai Motor Group's total production capacity in the U.S. now reaches 1 million vehicles annually. Last year, Hyundai and Kia collectively sold 1.7 million vehicles in the U.S.
Before its official inauguration, the plant had been partially operational since late last year, producing two EV models, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9. The production of some Kia models is scheduled to commence next year. HMGMA is designed as a software-driven factory, leveraging data from the entire production process and incorporating advanced automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. AI systems analyze production data to preemptively detect abnormalities, while robots manage high-weight and high-risk processes.
The opening of HMGMA coincides with Chung's recent announcement of a $21 billion investment plan in the U.S. over the next three years, disclosed at the White House with President Donald Trump. This plan includes a $5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana to supply auto parts to Hyundai's assembly plants in Georgia and Alabama.
In parallel, President Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on all imported cars, set to take effect next Wednesday. The U.S. government is also preparing to implement country-by-country reciprocal tariffs. Chung urged cooperation between the South Korean government and carmakers to negotiate favorable terms in the upcoming tariff discussions with Washington, acknowledging the limited influence of Hyundai's investment plan on these policies.