Grand Opening of Hyundai’s Metaplant America
Hyundai has officially launched production of its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, at its newly inaugurated EV facility in Georgia. The company held a grand opening event at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) expansion. The state-of-the-art factory will manufacture upcoming Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs and hybrid models, further solidifying the automaker’s presence in the U.S. market.
Hyundai’s new Georgia plant is part of a broader $7.6 billion investment, making it the largest economic development project in the state’s history. The facility is expected to generate approximately 8,500 direct jobs by 2030. However, when including Hyundai’s battery joint ventures with SK On and LG Energy Solutions, along with the 18 suppliers involved in the project, the total investment surpasses $12.6 billion. A report from the Center for Automotive Research suggests that Hyundai’s investments will contribute nearly 40,000 new jobs across Georgia.
During the inauguration, Hyundai Motor Group’s executive chair, Euisun Chung, emphasized the company’s commitment to the future of mobility in the U.S. “Together with the talented workforce at HMGMA, we are building the future of mobility with America, in America,” he stated. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz, and Kia CEO Ho Sung Song were also present at the event.
Production and Features of the Hyundai IONIQ 9
With production officially underway, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is set to debut this spring. The new Georgia facility will initially produce 300,000 vehicles annually, with the capacity to scale up to 500,000 units in the future. This expansion follows the successful rollout of the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, which was the first model to leave the assembly line in October.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 brings several upgrades to electric lineup. It will feature an impressive 110.3 kWh battery, offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles on a single charge. Additionally, it will include a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. The SUV’s “lounge-like” interior is designed for comfort and practicality, boasting up to 1,322 liters of cargo space—more than its competitor, the Kia EV9. In terms of size, the IONIQ 9 measures 5,060 mm (199.2 inches) in length, 1,980 mm (78 inches) in width, and 1,790 mm (70.5 inches) in height, making it slightly larger than the EV9.
Market Expectations and Pricing
Hyundai has yet to announce the official pricing for the IONIQ 9, but industry analysts predict it will start at around $60,000—positioning it slightly above the Kia EV9. With enhanced range, advanced technology, and a spacious design, the IONIQ 9 aims to compete with leading three-row electric SUVs in the market.
As Hyundai accelerates its EV production in the U.S., the Georgia plant’s launch signals a major step in the company’s electrification strategy. By strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and investing in local production, Hyundai is not only expanding its market reach but also contributing significantly to the state’s economy. With the Hyundai IONIQ 9 expected to hit dealerships soon, is poised to capture a larger share of the growing EV market.
