Summary
– Workers at Kia Georgia’s assembly plant in West Point celebrated the start of production for the 2025 EV9 SUV, Kia’s flagship electric vehicle
– EV9 is the first saleable electric vehicle assembled in Georgia, marking a significant achievement for Kia
– The SUV was driven off the assembly line by Governor Brian Kemp and Kia Georgia’s vice president James Watson
– Kia Georgia’s team members were praised for their monumental accomplishment by Governor Kemp
– Kia Georgia’s facility now has the ability to assemble both EVs and traditional vehicles on the same assembly line, resulting in approximately 200 more jobs at the plant
Article
Workers at Kia Georgia’s assembly plant in West Point celebrated the start of production for the 2025 EV9 SUV, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the first saleable electric vehicle assembled in Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp and Kia Georgia’s vice president James Watson were present to see the SUV being driven off the assembly line. The Governor expressed his pride in the accomplishment and commended the Kia Georgia team for their dedication to expanding operations in the state and adding new product lines.
The EV9 SUV joins existing SUVS like the Telluride, Sorento, and Sportage being assembled at Kia Georgia, showcasing Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market and the state of Georgia. Through Plan S, Kia aims to be a leader in the e-mobility sector in the coming years. The company has garnered prestigious accolades for their vehicles, indicating the EV9 will continue this tradition of excellence with the team members at Kia Georgia. The addition of the EV9 production has also led to the creation of approximately 200 more jobs at the plant.
Since the first Kia vehicle rolled off the assembly line in West Point nearly 15 years ago, the Kia Georgia team has continued to demonstrate their dedication to quality and innovation. The production of the EV9 SUV further underscores their ability to adapt and thrive in changing industry landscapes, as they are now capable of assembling both electric vehicles and traditional products on the same assembly line. Stuart Countess, president and CEO of Kia Georgia, expressed excitement for this new era at the facility, highlighting the team’s commitment to assembling top-quality vehicles.
Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of state and local partnerships in supporting job creation and economic growth, praising Kia for choosing Georgia as they work towards becoming the e-mobility capital of the nation. The Governor’s involvement in the celebration underscored the significance of Kia’s investment in the state and the positive impact it has on the local community. The production of the EV9 SUV represents a key step in Kia’s long-term strategy to advance in the e-mobility sector and continue delivering award-winning vehicles to consumers.
Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market and their expansion into electric vehicles align with their goal of being a leader in the e-mobility sector for years to come. The company’s track record of success, with vehicles receiving prestigious awards and accolades, bodes well for the future of the EV9 SUV and the continued growth of Kia Georgia’s operations. The assembly of the flagship electric vehicle in Georgia solidifies the state’s position as a hub for automotive innovation and manufacturing excellence, further solidifying the partnership between Kia and the local community.
The collaboration between state and local partners, alongside the dedicated efforts of the Kia Georgia team, has resulted in the successful production launch of the EV9 SUV in West Point. The addition of this flagship electric vehicle to the assembly line demonstrates Kia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also creating new job opportunities and driving economic growth in the region. The celebration of this milestone reflects the tireless efforts of the Kia Georgia team and their determination to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities in the ever-evolving automotive industry.
Read the full article here
