Hyundai's "first-ever, three-row" electric vehicle is under production at the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) that celebrated its grand opening in Ellabell, Georgia, on Wednesday. The Bryan County vehicle assembly and battery plant "will produce up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands," Hyundai Motor Group said in a media release. One of the vehicles under production at the massive new plant about 20 miles outside Savannah is the IONIQ 9, Hyundai's first three-row SUV, Electrek reports. A photograph shared by Hyundai shows employees at the plant working on a green-framed IONIQ 9. "Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia," Euisun Chung, executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group, said in a statement. HYUNDAI TO INVEST $20B IN US MANUFACTURING "With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America," he said. Hyundai is the world's No. 3 automaker when including Kia Motors, in which it owns a 35% stake, according to Reuters. IONIQ 9s are said to be hitting the road this spring, according to the automaker's website. Kia vehicles will represent 40% of the Georgia facility's total production, Kia CEO Song Ho-sung told reporters on Wednesday.

Click to read the full article