Hyundai Motor Group is preparing to open its first dedicated electric vehicle factory outside South Korea, completing a $7.6 billion investment in Georgia that was initiated during Donald Trump’s first presidential term.
The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) began trial production of the Ioniq 5 electric SUV in October and represents a crucial element in the Korean automaker’s strategy to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity while reducing exposure to vehicle import tariffs.
Hyundai has invited President Trump to the high-profile inauguration ceremony, acknowledging his administration’s influence on the investment decision. The facility aims to produce 300,000 vehicles annually initially, with plans to expand to 500,000 units over time, including the upcoming Ioniq 9 large electric SUV and hybrid models.
The plant will create more than 8,600 direct jobs, with the total reaching approximately 14,000 when including nearby supply partners. Hyundai Mobis, the group’s parts subsidiary, plans to invest an additional 1.3 billion won ($960 million) by 2030 to establish five components production bases in the U.S.
While bolstering its American manufacturing footprint, Hyundai faces questions about potential impacts on its domestic production and export volumes from South Korea, which the company says it will address through export route diversification.
