Hyundai Metaplant Helps Drive the Georgia Economy
The Hyundai Savannah, Georgia-based Metaplant came online for the first time in 2024, solidifying the Hyundai brand’s already-impressive American manufacturing footprint and paving the way for further expansion of production in the Southeast. And that is only going to ramp up in 2025 with the introduction of the new three-row, all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 9.
“This is a very exciting time for HMGMA,” said Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) president and CEO Oscar Kwon when the plant came online last summer. “We are in the final phase of construction and are getting ready for the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 to roll off the line. It’s the ideal vehicle for us to start production with.”
Hyundai had already sold more than 30,000 examples of the 2025 Ioniq 5 in the USA by the end of Q3, 2024, with thousands more expected to roll off the line by the end of the year. In 2025, it will be joined by the new Ioniq 9. United States-based manufacturing of both EVs will give Hyundai’s American customers more choice.
“We are thrilled to start building the all-new IONIQ 9 at the Metaplant,” Kwon said. “Every new vehicle we build brings an enhanced level of excitement for our Meta Pros, but to see the expansion of the acclaimed IONIQ lineup being manufactured locally is particularly special. As the only facility to build IONIQ 9s in North America, our Meta Pros will take pride in knowing every time they see the vehicle on the roadway in the U.S. that they took part in it being made.”
When production of the Ioniq 9 comes online in 2025, Hyundai will be able to celebrate two key milestones: doubling the number of all-electric models in its new-vehicle lineup that qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, and furthering its goals of expanding its U.S. production capacity over the next decade.
Hyundai Motor Group is investing $7.59 billion to develop HMGMA, which will create 8,500 direct jobs, the company’s announcement said. “Additionally, Hyundai and SK On are building a $5 billion EV battery cell plant in Bartow County, Georgia that will employ 3,500 workers. According to a recent Center for Automotive Research study, Hyundai’s investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 jobs and create $4.6 billion in individual earnings every year.”
Want to see the fruits of these efforts yourself? You can see the entire 2025 Hyundai lineup at Dick Smith Hyundai of Greenville today.
2 comment(s) so far on Hyundai Metaplant Helps Drive the Georgia Economy
What’s the status on their hybrids? I’m trying to get the plug-in hybrid Tucson refresh, but man, the red tape….waiting on that to be produced so I can take advantage of the tax credit. You are the latest it seems in posting about the factory; been keeping up with it over the last year, and wondering if they’ll start production of those vehicles soon.
We are excited about the new Hybrid Releases, too! We should start to see the hybrids begin to come in before Spring according to our contacts at Hyundai corporate. If you would like to be put on a contact list to find one for you or let you know when they arrive to our lot, we will gladly help you out!