Kia Motors Produces Three Millionth Vehicle in the U.S.
09/12/19

(West Point, GA.) September 12, 2019 – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) reached another milestone yesterday evening when the plant’s three millionth vehicle – a white 2020 Telluride SX Prestige – rolled off the assembly line in West Point, Georgia. 

Representing an investment of more than $1.1 billion, KMMG began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009 and today produces more than 40 percent of all Kia vehicles sold in the United States.

“Producing three million vehicles in less than 10 years is another example of the commitment and results of the KMMG Team’s ‘One System, One Team’ philosophy,” said KMMG President and CEO Jangsoo (Jason) Shin. “The world-class quality that goes into every Telluride, Sorento and Optima we build is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our team members, and today we salute their commitment to excellence.” 

KMMG, which will celebrate its 10^th year of production later this year, has consistently been recognized for the outstanding quality, reliability and performance of its Kia products in evaluations and reports by J.D. Power & Associates, Consumer Reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a variety of media outlets.

“KMMG is an outstanding example of hardworking Georgians performing at world-class levels,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “The company’s continued investment here is yet another result of our pro-business atmosphere, and I am proud to see KMMG’s relationship with the State of Georgia continue to strengthen. I want to congratulate Kia’s team members on the latest of many accomplishments.”

About KMMG

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 340,000 units, KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. KMMG is home to the Sorento SUV, the Optima mid-size sedan and the Telluride SUV.

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Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Begins Production of All-New 2020 Kia Telluride
02/15/19

(West Point, GA.) February 15, 2019 – On Friday, the team of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) officially began production of the all-new 2020 Kia Telluride, Kia’s largest and most rugged SUV to date. The celebratory vehicle was dark moss in color and came equipped with the SX Prestige package. It was introduced by Kia Motors North America (KMNA) CEO Sean Yoon and driven off of the line by KMMG’s President and CEO Jason Shin and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Friday’s event also included a special appearance by Korbin Pope, the local star of Kia’s Super Bowl commercial.

“We are incredibly proud of the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Team for launching another excellent product right here in the Peach State,” said Kemp. “As Georgia’s Governor, it was an honor to attend today’s ceremony, celebrate KMMG’s workforce, and commend them for their commitment to innovation, quality, and growth. Today’s launch of the Telluride, a product that will be made exclusively here in our state, is a remarkable milestone for Georgians.”

The Telluride is joining the award-winning Sorento SUV and Optima mid-size sedan on KMMG’s production line.

“The addition of the Kia Telluride to KMMG is further evidence of our commitment to the U.S. and local economy,” said Yoon. “This vehicle was imagined and designed specifically for the United States in our Kia Design Center in Irvine, California and is now being assembled here in West Point. There is no doubt that the world-class quality and attention to detail of the Telluride will be second to none.”

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Kia Georgia begins assembly of the 2025 Kia EV9 All-Electric SUV
05/30/24

The 2025 Kia EV9 is the first electric vehicle assembled in the state of Georgia and joins the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and Sportage SUVs currently assembled at Kia’s West Point facility

(West Point, Ga.) May 30, 2024 – Thursday marked a historic milestone at Kia Georgia’s assembly plant in West Point as team members gathered to celebrate the start of assembly of the all-electric 2025 EV9 three-row SUV, the first saleable electric vehicle assembled in the state of Georgia. The vehicle was introduced by SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO for Kia North America and Kia America, then driven off the assembly line by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and James Watson, Kia Georgia’s Vice President of Production.

“Marty and I were privileged to be part of this monumental accomplishment by the Kia Georgia team,” said Governor Kemp. “This expansion of Kia’s operations in our state and the addition of this incredible new product line to the vehicles already being built in West Point is just the latest example of what comes from state and local partners working with this valued job creator. I want to congratulate the Kia Georgia team members on today’s achievement and thank them for choosing the Peach State yet again as we work to become the e-mobility capital of the nation.”

The EV9 joins the award-winning and increasingly popular lineup of SUVs currently being assembled on Kia Georgia’s assembly line: Telluride, Sorento and Sportage. This is the culmination of a more than $200 million expansion that has added approximately 200 new jobs at the plant and the flexibility to assemble both EVs and the company’s traditional products along the same assembly line.

“Today’s launch of the Kia EV9 in Georgia is the latest example of Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market and the state of Georgia,” said Yoon. “Through Plan S, Kia is poised to be a leader in the e-mobility sector for years to come. Having achieved prestigious accolades such as World Car of the Year, World EV of the Year, and North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, EV9 will be in excellent hands with the team members at Kia Georgia and their track record for assembling award-winning, world-renowned products speaks for itself.”

Stuart Countess, President and CEO of Kia Georgia, looked back to almost 15 years ago when the first Kia vehicle rolled off the same assembly line on Nov. 16, 2009, while crediting the Kia Georgia team with being the driving force behind the milestones that have led to celebrations like the one on Thursday.

“Today, the Kia Georgia team is still going as strong as ever, continuing that mindset of turning challenges into opportunities,” said Countess. “We are excited for this chance to add Kia’s flagship EV to our facility and to enter this new era at Kia Georgia with the same quality focus of assembling the best vehicles in the world, right here in West Point.”

About Kia Georgia

Kia Georgia, Inc. is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 350,000 units, Kia Georgia is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Ga. and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. Kia Georgia is home to the Telluride SUV, Sorento SUV (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sportage SUV (excludes HEV and PHEV models) and the all-electric EV9 SUV.

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