Kia begins Sportage HEV production at HMGMA: 'Symbol of our automation capabilities'

Kia America and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) held a ceremony Tuesday at the plant in Ellabell, Georgia, to mark the start of Kia Sportage Hybrid production.

The Sportage Hybrid is the first Kia model to roll off the HMGMA line, the plant's first hybrid vehicle, and the third model produced there — following the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9.

The ceremony was attended by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Kia North America regional head and Kia America President Yoon Seung-kyu, HMGMA President Heo Tae-yang, Atlanta Consul General Lee Jun-ho, and HMGMA employees.

The first Kia Sportage Hybrid produced at HMGMA arrived on stage aboard a parking robot.

With the Sportage Hybrid joining the production lineup, HMGMA strengthens its role as an electrification hub covering both electric vehicles and hybrids.

Kia also plans to expand SUV production and sales for the U.S. market and accelerate electrification across its full lineup.

Combined with its existing Kia Georgia factory in West Point, HMGMA will give Kia an annual production capacity of up to 550,000 vehicles by 2030.

Gov. Kemp said HMGMA had built an outstanding team of Georgia talent since beginning production in 2025 and was now producing another innovative vehicle for customers across the country. "This shared success comes from a proven partnership with Kia America, HMGMA, our local communities and the people of Georgia," he said.

Yoon said Metaplant represents Kia's second major investment in Georgia, reflecting the company's confidence in the state as a growing center of the automotive industry. "The Sportage Hybrid, which received a product refresh last year, is one of Kia's best-selling models, and we expect its production at Metaplant to further strengthen Kia's growth in the United States," he said.

HMGMA President Heo said the plant had successfully prepared to produce its first hybrid and first Kia model, thanks to the dedication of its workforce and a flexible production system. "This achievement will serve as an important milestone for Georgia as it moves in earnest toward realizing future mobility, backed by world-class manufacturing capabilities," he added.

The Sportage — Kia's compact SUV and one of its flagship volume models — led the brand's overseas sales in May, moving 47,533 units to rank as the top-selling model in international markets that month.