Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) has started production of the 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid in Georgia, marking the first Kia-branded vehicle and the first hybrid model to be assembled at the company’s new manufacturing facility.
The launch adds the Sportage Hybrid to the plant’s production portfolio alongside the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 battery-electric SUVs, making it the third vehicle currently built at the site.
The milestone also expands Kia’s manufacturing footprint in the United States as the automaker increases local production of electrified vehicles.
First Hybrid Model at Metaplant
HMGMA was designed as a flexible manufacturing facility capable of producing multiple vehicle types and powertrains on the same assembly lines.
The company said the plant can accommodate up to 10 different vehicle models with minimal modifications between production programs.
With the addition of the Sportage Hybrid, the facility now manufactures both battery-electric vehicles and hybrid-electric models.
“This is an exciting moment for all of us at HMGMA,” said Tony Heo, president and chief executive officer of HMGMA.
“Through the dedication of our Meta Pros and the strength of our flexible manufacturing system, we have successfully prepared to produce our first hybrid vehicle and our first Kia model.”
“Today represents an important next step as we continue building the future of mobility through world-class manufacturing here in Georgia.”
Expanding Kia’s U.S. Manufacturing Presence
The production launch reinforces Kia’s long-standing manufacturing operations in Georgia, where the company has operated its West Point assembly plant for nearly two decades.
The West Point facility currently produces the Kia Telluride, EV9, EV6, and gasoline-powered versions of the Sportage and Sorento.
The addition of Sportage Hybrid production at HMGMA increases Kia’s overall manufacturing capacity in the state.
“This marks a very important event for Kia in the state of Georgia and for our customers across the US,” said Sean Yoon, president and chief executive officer of Kia North America and Kia America.
“Metaplant in Savannah is our second major investment in Georgia and is a clear testament to our confidence in this state’s future as an automotive powerhouse.”
Workforce and Capacity Growth
Approximately 200 employees participated in the production launch event, including workers who received training at Kia’s West Point facility and in South Korea ahead of the start of production.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp attended the ceremony, where the first Sportage Hybrid rolled onto the stage aboard an Autonomous Mobile Robot platform.
The West Point plant employs more than 3,200 workers, while HMGMA adds nearly 2,000 additional jobs.
“Our mutual success is the direct result of our proven partnership approach to creating long-lasting relationships between Kia America, HMG’s Metaplant, the local community, and hardworking Georgians,” Kemp said.
Increasing Electrified Vehicle Output
With production now split between the West Point and HMGMA facilities, Kia said its total annual manufacturing capacity in Georgia has reached approximately 550,000 vehicles.
The launch reflects broader efforts by Hyundai Motor Group to localize production of electrified vehicles in North America while leveraging flexible manufacturing systems capable of producing multiple vehicle types and powertrains.
The company has not announced additional future models planned for the facility.