Hyundai Motor Company is ramping up its investment in the United States as it braces for potential tariffs under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed trade policies. The South Korean automaker is focusing on its new manufacturing facility in Georgia to mitigate risks associated with potential duties on imported vehicles.
“We are looking forward to officially opening Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia next week. Our localization strategy in the important U.S. market will help mitigate the impact of any potential policy change,” Hyundai President and CEO Jose Muñoz said during the company’s shareholders’ meeting.
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Trump has pledged to implement a 25% tariff on imported vehicles by April 2, 2025. “Unless the tariff or non-tariff barriers are equalized, or the U.S. has higher tariffs, the tariffs will go into effect,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, addressing broader tariff policies.
Hyundai is reinforcing its U.S. footprint by investing $12.6 billion in vehicle and battery production facilities. The Georgia plant, which began producing the Ioniq 5 in October 2024, is set to manufacture the upcoming Ioniq 9 by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Originally planned as an EV-only facility, the plant has expanded its scope to include hybrid vehicles amid a slowdown in electric vehicle demand.
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Looking ahead, Hyundai remains committed to electrification, pledging $90 billion over the next decade to develop 21 EV models and 14 hybrids. The company aims to surpass 2 million EV sales globally by 2030 while maintaining a diverse lineup that includes internal combustion engine and hydrogen-powered vehicles.