- Kia has started producing the Sportage Hybrid in Georgia for the U.S. market.
- Hyundai Motor Group is expanding localized hybrid vehicle manufacturing in the United States.
Kia has officially begun production of the Kia Sportage Hybrid at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Georgia, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to localize hybrid vehicle manufacturing for the U.S. market. The production launch took place on June 2 and represents a shift from the previous supply model, under which all Sportage Hybrid vehicles sold in the United States were manufactured in Gwangju, South Korea and exported overseas.
The move strengthens Hyundai Motor Group’s manufacturing footprint in the United States while enhancing supply chain efficiency for one of Kia’s key hybrid models. By producing the Sportage Hybrid domestically, the company aims to better align production with local demand and support its broader electrification strategy across North America.
The Sportage Hybrid becomes the third vehicle to roll off the production lines at Hyundai Motor Group's new HMGMA facility. The plant already manufactures the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric vehicles. Operations at the facility commenced in March 2025, and the site has an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles, positioning it as a major hub for future vehicle production growth.
As part of its wider localization efforts, Hyundai is also preparing to bring production of the Tucson Hybrid closer to the U.S. market. The model is currently manufactured at Hyundai’s Ulsan facility in South Korea, but future production is planned for the company’s Montgomery, Alabama plant. The facility already produces the Santa Fe Hybrid and serves as an important component of Hyundai’s hybrid manufacturing network in the region.
Meanwhile, Kia continues to expand its hybrid production operations across the United States. The company has recently started manufacturing the Telluride Hybrid at its West Point, Georgia facility, further increasing local hybrid vehicle output. These initiatives demonstrate the group's commitment to strengthening domestic production capabilities and supporting growing consumer demand for electrified vehicles across the U.S. market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kia start producing the Sportage Hybrid in the United States?
Kia began manufacturing the Sportage Hybrid in Georgia to localize production for the U.S. market and improve supply chain efficiency. Previously, all Sportage Hybrid vehicles sold in the United States were imported from South Korea. Domestic production can help reduce logistics complexity, improve responsiveness to market demand, and support Hyundai Motor Group’s broader strategy of expanding electrified vehicle manufacturing capacity within North America while strengthening its regional production network.
What vehicles are currently produced at Hyundai Metaplant America?
Hyundai Metaplant America currently produces three vehicles: the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and the Kia Sportage Hybrid. The facility began operations in March 2025 and has an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles. The plant serves as a key manufacturing hub for Hyundai Motor Group’s electrification and localization plans, supporting both electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle production for customers in the United States.
What other hybrid production expansion plans has Hyundai Motor Group announced?
Hyundai Motor Group is expanding hybrid vehicle manufacturing across several U.S. facilities. Hyundai plans to localize Tucson Hybrid production at its Montgomery, Alabama plant, which already manufactures the Santa Fe Hybrid. In addition, Kia has recently started producing the Telluride Hybrid at its West Point, Georgia facility. These investments are intended to increase domestic hybrid vehicle output and support growing demand for electrified mobility solutions in the U.S. automotive market.
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