Last week, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and local officials joined Hyundai Motor Manufacturing (HMMA) President and CEO Ernie Kim to announce the company's $290 million investment to enhance production of sport utility vehicles.
HMMA has earmarked $190 million for tooling and equipment upgrades to prepare for production of the all-new fifth generation Santa Fe. According to CEO Ernie Kim, the additional $100 million will be invested to support ongoing production of the Tucson SUV and Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle.
Hyundai has nearly 4,000 employees in Montgomery, Alabama, where the company has been operational for some 17 years.
According to Montgomery Chamber Board Chairman LaBarron Boone, since HMMA set up shop in the region, the Montgomery plant has undergone 16 expansions with investments totaling $3.377 billion.
HMMA first began assembling the Santa Fe in 2006, and this will be the first full model change since 2018.
The all-new Santa Fe features a bold exterior design, enlarged tailgate and cabin, a more refined interior with sustainable materials, and a variety of high-tech features including a 12.3 inch Panoramic Curved Display.
When assembly begins later this year, the Santa Fe will join Hyundai’s Tucson SUV, the Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle, and both the electrified and gas versions of the Genesis GV70 luxury SUV on HMMA’s assembly line.
HMMA is an independent manufacturing operation of Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, Korea.
