- Car Dealership Guy News
- Posts
- Hyundai’s new Georgia Megaplant opens as U.S. tariffs loom
Hyundai’s new Georgia Megaplant opens as U.S. tariffs loom
Hyundai’s decision to prioritize local production wasn’t made overnight, but the timing couldn’t be better. (3 min. read)

Hyundai Motor Group $HYMTF ( ▼ 0.88% ) is widening the scope of its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. as the industry braces for the 25% auto tariffs scheduled to go into effect on April 3.
The details: At a celebration last Wednesday for the company’s new Georgia EV facility—the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA)—Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Euisun Chung spoke about the South Korean automaker’s plans to expand production at the 3,000-acre facility.
Vehicle capacity will be increased from 300,000 vehicles annually to 500,000 per year, an increase of 200,000.
The expansion would likely include hiring more workers at the facility, which currently employs 1,200 people.
Hyundai currently produces two electric SUVs at the plant, including the Ioniq 5 and the larger Ioniq 9 scheduled for release this spring.
What they’re saying: “Standing here today, I can say I have never been more confident about building the future of mobility with America, in America. This plant couldn’t come at a better time than now…because definitely all the cars that we would produce here are going to be exempted from any tariffs,” stated Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chairman.
Why it matters: Hyundai’s decision to prioritize local production wasn’t made overnight, but the timing couldn’t be better. As tariffs become a fixed cost of doing business, the company’s early bets on U.S. manufacturing offer some insulation.
Between the lines: The company’s production expansion at the Georgia facility is part of a $21 billion investment plan over the next three years announced at the White House with President Trump last Monday.
$9 billion of the investment will go towards expanding U.S. automobile production to 1.2 million units annually, according to Hyundai.
$6 billion will be allocated to enhance parts, logistics, and steel business, increasing the localization of auto parts and strengthening supply chains.
Another $6 billion will go towards expanding the automaker’s future industries and strengthening external partnerships and energy infrastructure, including EV charging.
Bottomline: Hyundai’s U.S. production strategy—coupled with the company’s sales success across its multiple brands (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis) in the states—better positions the company than many of its competitors in the U.S., enabling Hyundai to continue to grow its market share.
Become an automotive insider in just 5 minutes.
Get the weekly email that delivers transparent insights into the car market.
Join 90,000+ others now, it's free:
If you’re tired of unreliable vehicle transport services and frustrated with delayed deliveries, you need to read this…
CRC Transport LLC is the direct carrier that delivers on-time, reliable, and secure vehicle transport nationwide.
With a massive fleet of 320 trucks, there’s no job too big or detailed that we can’t accomplish on time. Every time.
So whether you need regular transport services or are just looking to optimize costs, CRC Transport is your go-to for experience and capability when it comes to moving cars.
Get exclusive volume discounts as a CDG newsletter subscriber! Click the link below to meet your next car shipping partner.
Reply