SAVANNAH, Georgia: Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to start manufacturing IONIQ 5 electric SUVs at its new US$7.6 billion plant in Georgia this fall.
This marks the first time the South Korean automaker has revealed the specific model of the electric vehicle to be produced at the facility west of Savannah. According to a company news release, the plant will commence operations in the fourth quarter, though the exact month remains unspecified.
"We are in the final phase of construction and are getting ready for the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 to roll off the line," said Oscar Kwon, the new plant's CEO. "It's the ideal vehicle for us to start production with."
Initially slated to open in 2025, the plant's construction was accelerated to capitalize on federal incentives for domestic EV production.
The decision to manufacture the new IONIQ 5 in Georgia comes before the 2025 model has been publicly unveiled. Launched in 2022, the IONIQ 5 has seen a 43% increase in sales this year compared to last year.
While the exact number of employees at the plant's start is unknown, Hyundai has projected that the facility will eventually employ 8,500 workers and produce 300,000 EVs annually.
This plant represents Georgia's largest economic development project, bolstered by a $2.1 billion incentive package from state and local governments.
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