Kia has begun automobile production at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia.
Kia said on the 3rd that it held an event on the 2nd (local time) at HMGMA to mark the start of production of the Sportage hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV).
The Sportage hybrid is the first Kia model produced at HMGMA and the first hybrid model. For the group as a whole, it is the third mass-production model following Hyundai Motor's Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9.
Kia emphasized that with the Sportage hybrid joining the production lineup, HMGMA has strengthened its role as an electrification production base encompassing electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
Kia plans to raise its annual production capacity to as many as 550,000 units by 2030 by adding HMGMA's production capability to the existing West Point plant in Georgia.
Attending the ceremony were Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp; Yoon Seung-kyu, head of Kia North America; Heo Tae-yang, head of HMGMA; and Lee Jun-ho, consul general in Atlanta.
Gov. Kemp said, "Since HMGMA began production last year, it has gone on to produce another innovative vehicle," adding, "This stems from a proven partnership among Kia America, HMGMA, the local community and the people of Georgia."
Yoon said, "The Metaplant is Kia's second large-scale investment carried out in Georgia," adding, "Through Metaplant production of the Sportage hybrid, we will further strengthen Kia's growth in the United States."