Hyunjuo jin
Seoul (Reuters) – Kia Corp plans to produce hybrid vehicles in the new US factory of the US Hyundai engine, starting with the mid -2026, because it tries to fulfill the increasing demand, said Kia’s executive without discovering models.
Hyundai – World Car Manufacturer No. 3 when it includes Kia Motors, with a 35% stake – broke the terrain for a completely electric car factory in Georgia 2022, under the administration of former President Joe Biden, who promoted EV’s policy policies.
But in a strategy shift, Hyundai now plans to add hybrid cars to factory production lines at a time when the demand for clean electric cars is cooled, and President Donald Trump’s administration threatens to complete EV subsidies.
Kia vehicles will represent 40% of the total production of Georgia facility, CEO Song Ho-Sung told reporters to the side of the opening ceremony of the factory on Wednesday.
Hyundai said he plans to expand the annual production capacity of the factory at 500,000 vehicles with the original 300,000, which is Hyundai and KIA combined overall production capacity in the US at 1.2 million vehicles a year.
The upgraded plan is part of a $ 21 billion investment announced by Trump and Hyundai President Euisun Chung in the White House earlier this week.
On Wednesday, Trump announced 25% of Imported Tariffs on cars and auto parts, which can harm companies, especially Asian car manufacturers, who are among the largest vehicles in the United States
After Mexico, South Korea is the world’s largest vehicle exporter to the United States, followed by Japan, according to S&P data.
Kia Motors currently produce most of its hybrid cars, including their athlete hybrid crossover, South Korea.
Song said that the new American factory would help to achieve Kia’s target of increase in US sales to 1.25 million vehicles a year, which is increasing 850,000.
(Reporting Hyunjuo Jin; Mounting Joe Bavier)
