Kia Corporation celebrated the launch of production of its first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) at its plant in West Point, in the US state of Georgia, as the South Korean automaker responded to growing demand for hybrid-electric vehicles in the region following the withdrawal of battery electric vehicle (BEV) incentives by the US government last year.
The West Point plant is the only facility worldwide to produce the Kia Telluride SUV, which was designed specifically for the US market, and the addition of an HEV model will inevitably help drive up demand for this popular model. Last year, the Telluride was Kia’s third-best-selling model in the US with 123,281 deliveries to customers, behind only the K4/Forte sedan and the Sportage SUV.
Kia’s overall sales in the US rose by 7% to 852,155 vehicles last year, despite the introduction of import tariffs by the US government.
Kia also celebrated a major production milestone for its Georgia plant, with cumulative output having exceeded five million units since operations began in 2009.
Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, said in a statement: “As the only plant in the world that builds Telluride, today represents far more than the launch of a vehicle. It also reflects the strength of our West Point team, the trust of our customers and Kia’s commitment to building the future of mobility here in Georgia. Reaching five million vehicles and introducing, not only the first HEV assembled in Georgia, but Kia’s first US-assembled HEV, is a testament to both Kia’s storied history and our direction going forward.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp added: “Since its introduction in 2019, the Telluride has been exclusively Georgia-made and has become one of the most successful vehicles in Kia's lineup. This success story is the direct result of our proven partnership approach to creating long-lasting relationships between Kia Georgia, the local community, and our entire state. As they continue to innovate and invest in the future, I am proud to congratulate the Kia Georgia team on this historic moment."
