New Savannah facility to produce 500,000 EVs annually and create over 1,300 jobs as part of Hyundai’s $21B U.S. investment plan
By Terrence Fox, Senior Correspondent
On May 31, 2025, Hyundai Motor Group inaugurated its highly anticipated Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Savannah, Georgia, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the United States. The $7.6 billion facility is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and is central to Hyundai’s goal of expanding its EV footprint across North America.
Located approximately 20 miles from the Port of Savannah, the plant will manufacture a range of EVs and plug-in hybrids for Hyundai, its luxury brand Genesis, and affiliate Kia. The facility is expected to ramp up production quickly and play a pivotal role in Hyundai’s push toward a fully electrified vehicle lineup.
Advanced Manufacturing for a Cleaner Future
The HMGMA is designed to be one of the most technologically sophisticated automotive plants in the world. The complex incorporates state-of-the-art automation, including nearly 300 Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) that move components seamlessly through the production line.
With an initial annual output target of 300,000 vehicles, the company has since raised its goal to 500,000 units, driven by strong demand forecasts and the strategic need to reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing.
In addition to the main assembly line, the plant includes a Hyundai Steel production facility on-site, allowing for just-in-time steel delivery and reduced logistics costs. Plans are also underway to construct a battery production facility in partnership with LG, aiming to ensure supply chain security and streamline EV battery integration.
This vertically integrated model enhances operational efficiency and supports Hyundai’s broader mission to produce vehicles with a smaller carbon footprint while meeting growing consumer demand for EVs.
Driving Economic Growth in Georgia
The new Metaplant is poised to become a key driver of economic growth in Georgia. It is projected to create more than 1,300 full-time jobs, with most roles intended for local residents. Hyundai has been working closely with workforce development programs and local community colleges to train new employees and build a skilled labor pipeline.
The facility is a core part of Hyundai’s broader $21 billion investment in the United States, which also includes other manufacturing hubs, research centers, and product innovation labs across the country. Notably, Kia’s $3.2 billion facility in West Point, Georgia further complements Hyundai’s strategy to establish a robust presence in the Southeast U.S.
Local leaders have praised the move as a major win for Georgia’s manufacturing industry and a demonstration of the state’s increasing attractiveness to global innovators in clean energy and technology.
Strategic Advantage in a Shifting Trade Landscape
The decision to invest in a massive U.S.-based EV production facility comes amid growing trade complexities, particularly rising tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and finished vehicles. By establishing a local manufacturing footprint, Hyundai aims to mitigate the impact of international trade tensions and ensure pricing stability for its North American customers.
The localized supply chain also shortens delivery times and allows the company to adapt more quickly to market changes, regulatory shifts, and consumer preferences.
Moreover, the facility enhances Hyundai’s ability to comply with evolving U.S. incentives for domestic EV production, such as tax credits tied to North American assembly under federal clean energy policies.
Powering the South’s Rise in Clean Tech
The Savannah Metaplant symbolizes a broader trend reshaping the Southern U.S. economy—the rise of clean tech and advanced manufacturing. States like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are quickly becoming epicenters for EV production thanks to strategic infrastructure, competitive incentives, and a skilled workforce.
With other automakers and battery firms also investing heavily in the region, Hyundai’s entry adds momentum to what some are calling the “Battery Belt”—a corridor of innovation set to transform the nation’s transportation future.