Mon Mar 31 08:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Hyundai Opens Massive Georgia EV Plant Amidst Trump’s Tariff Threat
**Ellabell, GA** – Hyundai Motor Group celebrated the grand opening of its Metaplant America in Ellabell, Georgia on Wednesday, a $21 billion investment projected to create 14,000 jobs by 2028. The facility, capable of producing up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands, marks a significant expansion of the South Korean automaker’s US presence.
The plant is already producing Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, with Kia vehicles accounting for 40% of total production. Kia CEO Song Ho-sung stated that the plant will help the company reach its goal of 1.25 million annual US vehicle sales. The facility utilizes AI and data-driven optimization across all production processes, creating a more efficient and worker-friendly environment.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts. While Hyundai executives expressed commitment to US manufacturing, the tariffs pose a potential challenge, particularly for South Korea, the second largest vehicle exporter to the US after Mexico. Hyundai’s increased US production aims to mitigate the impact of these tariffs. The company originally planned to produce 300,000 electric vehicles, but increased capacity to include hybrids in response to cooling demand for pure EVs and the threat of ending EV subsidies. IONIQ 9s are expected to hit the road this spring. Hyundai President and CEO Jose Munoz addressed the anticipated tariffs during an appearance on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
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