Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced on Tuesday that Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) plans to begin building the hybrid version of its Santa Fe sport utility along with the first Electrified Genesis GV70 SUV as the Montgomery factory expands its U.S. production to include electric vehicles.
“Over the years, we have developed an enduring partnership with Hyundai, and it’s been great to witness the profound economic impacts of the company’s continued investments in Alabama,” Ivey said. “Hyundai’s new growth plans in Montgomery will help prepare the state’s auto industry for the EV revolution while also aligning with our strategic initiatives such as Drive Electric Alabama.
“This is another major milestone for our friends at Hyundai."
Hyundai announced that the changes will cost $300 million and create 200 jobs at its only U.S. manufacturing center. The latest milestone for HMMA was made official after the recent signing of a project agreement with Ivey at the state Capitol.
Ernie Kim is the President and CEO of HMMA.
“Hyundai Motor Company is taking its first steps in electric vehicle production in the United States,” Kim said. “We are excited to showcase our team members’ skills in producing electric vehicles here in Alabama.”
Jose Munoz is the president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. Munoz formally announced the automaker’s electric vehicle production plan for its Alabama assembly plant at the New York Auto Show.
HMMA will begin plant expansion projects ranging from additional warehouse space to enhanced assembly processes to support electric vehicle production. Production of the Santa Fe Hybrid will begin in Oct. and the Electrified GV70 will roll off the assembly line in Dec. 2022.
Greg Canfield is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“With this EV expansion, Hyundai is again demonstrating that Alabama’s auto sector is concentrating on what the future holds for the industry and that it will continue to evolve to meet all challenges,” Canfield said. “This is an exciting development both for Hyundai and for our dynamic automotive manufacturing sector.”
Hyundai has already invested $1.8 billion in the Alabama operation, which currently employs over 3,200 full-time workers.
Montgomery officials praised Hyundai for its strong support of the Alabama manufacturing plant.
“Hyundai and Montgomery have a powerful partnership,” Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship in the coming years and working to support this tremendous investment.”
Elton Dean is the Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission.
“Our commitment to our partnership with Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama continues to deepen, and we are so honored by this significant investment,” said Dean. “Together, we are charting the course for success and opportunity in the River Region.”
Cedric Campbell chairs the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. He pointed out that HMMA has expanded over 15 times since April 2002, when the automaker announced its plans to make the city its North American industrial home.
“Partnership and teamwork are key to this kind of economic growth, and we are grateful for the impact this kind of investment will have on the entire region,” Campbell said.
The new vehicles will join the Elantra sedan, Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs and the Santa Cruz sport adventure vehicle on the Montgomery assembly line.
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