Tuesday, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) announced plans to build its hybrid version of the Santa Fe sport utility along with the first Electrified Genesis GV70 SUV at its Montgomery manufacturing facility.
According to Gov. Kay Ivey’s office, the plans include an investment of $300 million and the creation of 200 jobs at the facility, which is the South Korean-based automotive company’s only manufacturing center in the United States.
HMMA’s plans were celebrated as the automotive manufacturer held a ceremonial signing of a project agreement with the governor at the Alabama State Capitol last month.
At the New York Auto Show on Tuesday, Jose Munoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, officially announced the company’s Alabama-centered electric vehicle production plans.
In a release hailing the announcement, Ivey celebrated the state’s partnership with Hyundai and advised that the company’s plans aligned with with the Drive Electric Alabama initiative.
“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,” stated Ivey. “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.”
The governor’s office advised that production of the Santa Fe Hybrid will begin in October 2022, and the Electrified GV70 will roll off the assembly line in December 2022.
HMMA president and CEO Ernie Kim touched on the role that the Yellowhammer State will play in introducing the company’s electric vehicle production to the United States.
“Hyundai Motor Company is taking its first steps in electric vehicle production in the United States,” said Kim. “We are excited to showcase our team members’ skills in producing electric vehicles here in Alabama.”
The Montgomery assembly line presently includes the production of the Elantra sedan, Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs and the Santa Cruz sport adventure vehicle.
Alabama Department of Commerce secretary Greg Canfield touched on the automotive industry’s rapid inclusion of electric vehicles into assembly lines.
“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,” said Canfield. “This is an exciting development both for Hyundai and for our dynamic automotive manufacturing sector.”
To date, HMMA has invested $1.8 billion in its Alabama operation, which employs more than 3,200 full-time workers.
The 2023 Electrified GV70 will begin arriving at American dealerships next year, the announcement advised. The 2022 Santa Fe Hybrid is currently available at all dealerships in the United States.
Mayor Steven Reed expressed excitement over Hyundai’s continued investment in the city of Montgomery.
“Hyundai and Montgomery have a powerful partnership,” stated Reed. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship in the coming years and working to support this tremendous investment.”
Montgomery County Commission chairman Elton Dean said the investment is an indication that future regional success is in store.
“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, chair of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrated that the company had expanded in the area more than 15 times since April 2002.
“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,” said Campbell.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
