Kia America and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) held a ceremony at the Ellabell, Georgia, plant on Tuesday to mark the start of production, with the first vehicle produced there brought onto the stage by an autonomous parking robot.
The Sportage is the third model to be built at HMGMA, following Hyundai's Ioniq series of electric vehicles.
Kia said the addition expands the plant's scope to cover both electric and hybrid vehicles.
The start of production gives Kia more capacity to serve the U.S. SUV market and supports its broader push to electrify its lineup in North America.
Kia plans to combine production capacity at HMGMA with its existing plant in West Point, Georgia, to secure annual production capacity of up to 550,000 vehicles by 2030.
Kemp said HMGMA has built a strong team since production began in 2025 and is now adding another vehicle for customers across the country.
Yoon said the Metaplant represents Kia's second major investment in Georgia and reflects the company's view of the state as a growing automotive manufacturing center.
"The Sportage, which received product upgrades last year, is one of Kia's best-selling models," Yoon said. "Production at the Metaplant is expected to further strengthen Kia's growth in the U.S."
Heo said the plant was able to prepare for its first hybrid and first Kia model through its flexible production system and manufacturing capabilities.
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