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Photo = Hyundai Motor Group |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Hyundai Motor Group has completed its future-oriented smart factory in Georgia, USA, marking a major step forward in its North American electric vehicle (EV) strategy.
The plant, which is four times the size of Yeouido in Seoul, is expected to significantly expand local EV production as part of Hyundai’s efforts to strengthen its foothold in the global mobility market.
On March 26 (local time), Hyundai Motor Group held a completion ceremony for the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Georgia. The event was attended by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong, Hyundai Motor President Jose Muñoz, Kia President Song Ho-sung, and approximately 500 local employees and dignitaries.
HMGMA is a dedicated EV production facility with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. Production of the IONIQ 5, a midsize electric SUV, began late last year, and mass production of the IONIQ 9 is set to commence this year. Starting next year, the plant will also manufacture Kia and Genesis models.
Notably, HMGMA features a flexible production system capable of manufacturing both EVs and hybrid vehicles, allowing for a diversified lineup of eco-friendly models in the future.
With the completion of HMGMA, Hyundai Motor Group has established a robust production network in the U.S., complementing its existing plants in Alabama (Hyundai) and Georgia (Kia), bringing its total annual production capacity in the U.S. to 1 million units.
The company also has plans to expand HMGMA’s capacity by an additional 200,000 units, potentially increasing Hyundai Motor Group’s total U.S. production volume to over 1.2 million units annually.
HMGMA is designed as a "Software-Defined Factory," integrating advanced automation and AI-driven technologies. Key features include automatic heavy-duty door attachment/detachment, AI-based quality inspection, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for logistics, and parking robots, all of which enhance productivity and quality.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
