Hyundai's $8 billion Metaplant opens in Georgia as Trump announces auto tariffs

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Hyundai's $8 billion Metaplant opens in Georgia as Trump announces auto tariffs

Published: 27 Mar. 2025, 08:48 Updated: 27 Mar. 2025, 17:27

SARAH CHEA
[email protected]

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

Robots make the Ioniq 5 SUV at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, which officially opened its doors on March 26 in Bryan County, Georgia. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor Group officially unlocked its $7.6 billion metaplant in Georgia Wednesday, saving the company from tariff threats as U.S. President Donald Trump formalized 25 percent levies on all imported cars.

The 11.76 million-square-meter (126.58 million-square-foot) metaplant in Bryan County, Georgia, will help Hyundai boost its U.S. production capacity to roughly 1.2 million units, around 70 percent of the company's total U.S. sales as of last year.

The plant includes an automobile plant focusing on EVs and hybrids, a joint battery plant with LG Energy Solution, and an auto parts factory from Hyundai Mobis.

The auto plant's capacity currently stands at 300,000 units, with a goal of increasing up to 500,000 units in the future, beating the Hyundai Alabama plant's 360,000 units and Kia's Georgia plant's 340,000 units.

Hyundai's Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 are being manufactured at the plant as of now.

"Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) not only represents the group's advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia," said Euisun Chung, executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group, during the plant's opening ceremony with Georiga Gov. Brian Kemp, Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon and CEO José Muñoz.

"With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA, we are building the future of mobility with America, in America."

Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday declared 25 percent tariffs on all imported cars to the U.S. market, which will take effect on April 2.

Correction, March 27: An earlier version of this article misstated the location and size of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.

BY SARAH CHEA [[email protected]]