Kia Starts Building the Sportage Hybrid in Georgia, Marking a New Chapter for US Manufacturing
SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 19, 2026 – Kia America and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) have officially started production of the 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid at the Savannah, Georgia facility — a moment that carries three firsts for the plant at once: the first Kia model, the first hybrid electric vehicle, and the third model overall to roll off its lines. The milestone extends Kia's nearly two-decade manufacturing presence in Georgia and signals a clear push to bring more of its electrified lineup closer to its largest consumer market. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp attended the celebration alongside Kia and HMGMA executives, with the first completed Sportage Hybrid making its stage debut aboard an Autonomous Mobile Robot.