Kia begins production of 'Sportage Hybrid' at U.S. Hyundai plant

Kia has officially commenced production of its Sportage hybrid SUV at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, marking a significant step in the automaker's electrification strategy in the United States. This is the first time Kia is manufacturing a hybrid vehicle at the state-of-the-art HMGMA facility.

The HMGMA plant, located in Ellabell, Georgia, is already responsible for producing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 electric vehicles. The addition of the Kia Sportage hybrid to its production line signifies the plant's growing role as a versatile hub for both electric and hybrid vehicles.

Kia America and HMGMA celebrated the production start with an event on May 2. The Sportage hybrid is not only the first Kia model to be produced at HMGMA but also the plant's first hybrid vehicle. Kia anticipates that integrating the Sportage hybrid into the HMGMA lineup will bolster its growth in the U.S. market.

"Metaplant is Kia's second major investment in Georgia, demonstrating our high regard for the state's continued growth potential as a center of the automotive industry," said Sean Sung-kyu Yoon, Head of Kia North America Region and Chief Operating Officer of Kia America. He added that the Sportage hybrid, a refreshed model launched last year, is a top seller for Kia and its production in Georgia is expected to further strengthen the brand's U.S. presence.

Kia aims to expand its SUV production and accelerate the electrification of its entire lineup in the U.S. By combining the production capabilities of the existing Kia Georgia plant in West Point and HMGMA, the company plans to achieve an annual production capacity of up to 550,000 vehicles by 2030. This expansion underscores Kia's commitment to meeting the growing demand for electrified vehicles.

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Metaplant is Kia's second major investment in Georgia, demonstrating our high regard for the state's continued growth potential as a center of the automotive industry. The Sportage hybrid, a refreshed model launched last year, is a top seller for Kia, and its production in Metaplant is expected to further strengthen Kia's growth in the U.S.