Latest news with #Hyundai
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hyundai just built a $7.6 billion EV factory in Georgia to compete with Tesla and GM — see inside
The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is an all-new $7.6 billion EV factory. HMGMA, located near Savannah, Georgia, opened its doors in March of this year. The factory will be able to build 500,000 EVs and Hybrids for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis every year. The $7.6 billion Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, or HMGMA, is one of the newest and most technologically advanced car factories in the world. The plant, located near Savannah, Georgia, opened its doors in March and will be a key production facility for Hyundai's EVs and PHEVs, as well as those belonging to its Genesis luxury brand and sister company Kia. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Genesis North America COO Tedros Mengiste cited the investment as an example of Hyundai's track record for "visionary and strategic, and long-term thinking." I recently took a behind-the-scenes tour of Hyundai's new megafactory packed with autonomous robots and state-of-the-art tech. The Hyundai Metaplant is situated on a 3,000-acre campus in the south Georgia town of Ellabell. Located just 20 miles from the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest in the US, the plant not only gives Hyundai much-needed manufacturing capacity in the US to avoid import tariffs, but it also affords the company the flexibility to export vehicles abroad. It also gives Hyundai the production footprint to compete against rivals like Tesla, GM, and Rivian, which is also building a new factory in Georgia. Driving up to the factory, it's easy to be wowed by the sheer scale of the sprawling complex. It's Hyundai Group's second car factory in the state. The company also operates a $3.2 billion, 2,200-acre facility in West Point, Georgia, that builds Kia EV and ICE SUVs. I drove to the factory in a new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV SUV, which is one of the vehicles assembled at the Metaplant. The only other model assembled at the plant is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV. My tour began in the plant's modern main lobby. Hyundai broke ground on the facility in the fall of 2022 and took just two years to complete construction on the main production buildings. The Metaplant site consists of 11 buildings totalling 7.5 million square feet of space. The Metaplant is a marvel of vertical integration, with the goal of having as many key components, ranging from battery packs to seats, made on-site. Here's a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell semi truck used to transport parts and supplies to the factory. It's one of 21 emission-free XCIENT trucks deployed around the Metaplant site. The production process starts in the stamping shop, where sheet metal is cut and stamped into parts that will make up the frame of the car. The sheet metal is supplied by the on-site Hyundai Steel facility. Stamped parts are transported by automated guided vehicles, or AGVs. The plant employs almost 300 AGVs to shuttle everything from spare parts to partially assembled cars. The stamped metal panels are then stored in these massive racks. The Metaplant was originally expected to produce up to 300,000 electrified vehicles annually. However, Hyundai announced at the plant's grand opening in March that its capacity will be expanded to 500,000 units in the coming years as part of a new $21 billion investment in US manufacturing. Here are parts of the Ioniq 9, Hyundai's new flagship three-row EV SUV. The plant is expected to start production of its first Kia model next year. The next part of the tour is the welding shop. Here, the stamped metal pieces are welded together by robot to form the body of the vehicle. The work done by the welding robots is then inspected by the plant's human employees known as Meta Pros. The Metplant employees more than 1,300 Meta Pros, nearly 90% of whom were hired locally. There are employee meeting and break areas located along the inspection and assembly areas. An employee cafeteria with remote ordering capability is located in the main assembly building. In addition to human eyes, the vehicles are also inspected by a pair of Boston Dynamics robot dogs called Spot. In 2021, Hyundai acquired an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics in a deal that valued the company at $1.1 billion. After the inspections are complete, a robot loads the partially assembled vehicles onto a conveyor system. Next stop, the paint shop. Unfortunately, my tour did not get access to the paint shop due to concerns that outside visitors may compromise the quality of the paint application. After receiving a fresh coat of paint, the vehicles travel through a bridge to the assembly building. Here, the painted bodies are married with their battery packs and skateboard chassis. Hyundai Mobis produces the skateboard chassis in a building next door to the general assembly facility. The Metaplant's on-site battery factory, operated in a joint venture with LG, is expected to come online next year. The plant currently sources its batteries from Hyundai's other facilities, including one in North Georgia that's a joint venture with SK. The vehicles' interiors are then assembled by hand. The further along the production process, the more you see human workers on the assembly line. Partially assembled EVs are shuttled through from area to area by the automated robots. The entire facility was immaculately clean, quiet, and felt beautifully choreographed. Assembled vehicles are loaded onto different AGVs that navigate the facility by reading the QR codes embedded into the floor. These AGVs shuttle the vehicles through the plant's various quality control tests. At the end of the assembly line, completed EVs are put through their paces at the on-site test track before being sent to the vehicle preparation center, or VPC, to get them ready for shipping. Vehicles destined for dealerships in the region are put on trucks, while those traveling more than 500 miles are shipped by rail at the Metplant's on-site train terminal. Read the original article on Business Insider Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Hyundai just built a $7.6 billion EV factory in Georgia to compete with Tesla and GM — see inside
The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is an all-new $7.6 billion EV factory. HMGMA, located near Savannah, Georgia, opened its doors in March of this year. The factory will be able to build 500,000 EVs and Hybrids for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis every year. The $7.6 billion Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, or HMGMA, is one of the newest and most technologically advanced car factories in the world. The plant, located near Savannah, Georgia, opened its doors in March and will be a key production facility for Hyundai's EVs and PHEVs, as well as those belonging to its Genesis luxury brand and sister company Kia. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Genesis North America COO Tedros Mengiste cited the investment as an example of Hyundai's track record for "visionary and strategic, and long-term thinking." I recently took a behind-the-scenes tour of Hyundai's new megafactory packed with autonomous robots and state-of-the-art tech. The Hyundai Metaplant is situated on a 3,000-acre campus in the south Georgia town of Ellabell. Located just 20 miles from the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest in the US, the plant not only gives Hyundai much-needed manufacturing capacity in the US to avoid import tariffs, but it also affords the company the flexibility to export vehicles abroad. It also gives Hyundai the production footprint to compete against rivals like Tesla, GM, and Rivian, which is also building a new factory in Georgia. Driving up to the factory, it's easy to be wowed by the sheer scale of the sprawling complex. It's Hyundai Group's second car factory in the state. The company also operates a $3.2 billion, 2,200-acre facility in West Point, Georgia, that builds Kia EV and ICE SUVs. I drove to the factory in a new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV SUV, which is one of the vehicles assembled at the Metaplant. My tour began in the plant's modern main lobby. Hyundai broke ground on the facility in the fall of 2022 and took just two years to complete construction on the main production buildings. The Metaplant site consists of 11 buildings totalling 7.5 million square feet of space. The Metaplant is a marvel of vertical integration, with the goal of having as many key components, ranging from battery packs to seats, made on-site. Here's a Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell semi truck used to transport parts and supplies to the factory. The production process starts in the stamping shop, where sheet metal is cut and stamped into parts that will make up the frame of the car. The sheet metal is supplied by the on-site Hyundai Steel facility. Stamped parts are transported by automated guided vehicles, or AGVs. The stamped metal panels are then stored in these massive racks. The Metaplant was originally expected to produce up to 300,000 electrified vehicles annually. However, Hyundai announced at the plant's grand opening in March that its capacity will be expanded to 500,000 units in the coming years as part of a new $21 billion investment in US manufacturing. Here are parts of the Ioniq 9, Hyundai's new flagship three-row EV SUV. The next part of the tour is the welding shop. Here, the stamped metal pieces are welded together by robot to form the body of the vehicle. The work done by the welding robots is then inspected by the plant's human employees known as Meta Pros. There are employee meeting and break areas located along the inspection and assembly areas. An employee cafeteria with remote ordering capability is located in the main assembly building. In addition to human eyes, the vehicles are also inspected by a pair of Boston Dynamics robot dogs called Spot. In 2021, Hyundai acquired an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics in a deal that valued the company at $1.1 billion. After the inspections are complete, a robot loads the partially assembled vehicles onto a conveyor system. Next stop, the paint shop. Unfortunately, my tour did not get access to the paint shop due to concerns that outside visitors may compromise the quality of the paint application. Here, the painted bodies are married with their battery packs and skateboard chassis. Hyundai Mobis produces the skateboard chassis in a building next door to the general assembly facility. The Metaplant's on-site battery factory, operated in a joint venture with LG, is expected to come online next year. The plant currently sources its batteries from Hyundai's other facilities, including one in North Georgia that's a joint venture with SK. The vehicles' interiors are then assembled by hand. The further along the production process, the more you see human workers on the assembly line. Partially assembled EVs are shuttled through from area to area by the automated robots. The entire facility was immaculately clean, quiet, and felt beautifully choreographed. Assembled vehicles are loaded onto different AGVs that navigate the facility by reading the QR codes embedded into the floor. These AGVs shuttle the vehicles through the plant's various quality control tests. At the end of the assembly line, completed EVs are put through their paces at the on-site test track before being sent to the vehicle preparation center, or VPC, to get them ready for shipping. Vehicles destined for dealerships in the region are put on trucks, while those traveling more than 500 miles are shipped by rail at the Metplant's on-site train terminal.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Hyundai onboards Pankaj Tripathi as brand ambassador
HighlightsHyundai Motor India Limited has appointed acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador to strengthen emotional connections with Indian customers. Pankaj Tripathi expressed his personal connection with Hyundai, stating that his first car was a Hyundai, and he values the brand's trust and innovation. The partnership aims to enhance Hyundai's brand narrative by focusing on emotions, honesty, and a shared sense of purpose, while showcasing the company's commitment to technologically advanced yet humane products. Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced that actor Pankaj Tripathi has joined its family as the new brand ambassador. Tripathi, celebrated for his versatile performances and down-to-earth appeal, perfectly embodies HMIL's core values of reliability, authenticity, and a strong connection with India's diverse audience, the company said in a press statement. This strategic partnership signals a new chapter for HMIL, aiming to foster deeper, more meaningful connections with Indian customers and create experiences that resonate with the spirit of India. With a rich legacy of innovation and trust, HMIL has long been a familiar name in Indian households. The decision to bring Pankaj Tripathi into the HMIL family aligns with the brand's vision of strengthening its emotional bond with the people of India while adding a touch of star power to its existing lineup of iconic personalities, the statement added. "At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration," said Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, regarding the exciting new partnership. "We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to the HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent, and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of 'Progress for Humanity'. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India." Pankaj Tripathi said, "It is an honor to associate with Hyundai Motor India Limited, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation, and a customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity, and staying true to one's roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL's ethos. I look forward to this partnership where, together, we can connect with people across the country—not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.'
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
ICS 2025: Corporate Social Responsibility as a Force for National Progress
Corporate social responsibility in India is undergoing a profound transformation, as revealed during an insightful fireside chat at the India Communication Summit 2025. The session, "Purpose in Practice: Building Authentic Social Impact Narratives ," brought together industry leaders who are redefining how businesses create meaningful societal impact. The conversation featured Puneet Anand, AVP and Vertical Head of Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication and Social at Hyundai Motor India , alongside Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships at Reckitt – South Asia. The session was moderated by Anirban Roy Choudhury, Senior Associate Editor & Lead, Product, who guided the discussion through strategies that elevate CSR from obligation to opportunity. Throughout the dialogue, Anand emphasized how authentic community engagement contributes to national progress, noting that CSR initiatives can play a crucial role in building a more developed India. His perspective highlighted the potential for businesses to drive societal advancement through strategic social initiatives. Hyundai structures its community programs around three foundational pillars: earth, mobility, and hope. Their "Be the Better Guy" road safety campaign stands as a testament to long-term commitment. Launched in 2016, this initiative partners with state governments to address India's road safety challenges through awareness programs and technological solutions. Strategic collaboration emerged as a recurring theme when Bhatnagar stressed the importance of selecting the right partners and rapidly scaling successful programs. This collaborative approach has enabled both organizations to maximize their impact across diverse sectors and regions throughout India. The discussion revealed how innovation drives effective CSR, as illustrated by Hyundai's telemedicine program. With 55 centers established across 11 states, the initiative has dramatically improved healthcare accessibility while reducing costs for rural communities – demonstrating how corporate resources can solve critical infrastructure gaps. Reckitt's nutrition intervention program showcased similar strategic thinking. By focusing on the crucial first 1,000 days of motherhood and employing culturally resonant communication, they've successfully addressed malnutrition challenges in aspirational districts across the country. Community empowerment took center stage when Anand discussed "Art for Hope," an initiative providing rural artisans – including those with disabilities – platforms to showcase their talents globally. This program illustrates how CSR can preserve cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities. Both leaders emphasized that meaningful social impact requires patience, authenticity, and measurable outcomes. Their experiences reveal a fundamental shift in corporate mindset – from viewing CSR as compliance to embracing it as a strategic opportunity for creating shared value. To conclude, the session presented practical insights into how corporations can become genuine catalysts for societal transformation, contributing meaningfully to national development while building deeper community connections that extend well beyond traditional business boundaries.
West Australian
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
Under the skin of Hyundai's XCIENT fuel cell truck
Up front, it's best to underline this: Hyundai's XCIENT fuel cell truck is an electric truck. It's not driven by hydrogen but by electricity from a large on-board battery. The hydrogen is the fuel that runs the on-board battery charging. The concept of hydrogen fuel cell cars and trucks is to add an emissions-free range-extender to a battery electric driveline. Hyundai's truck is on display at the Brisbane Truck Show, and Hyundai locally is in discussions with operators in NSW, Victoria and WA to sell or lease limited numbers of the trucks into daily operations on evaluation. Hyundai's boss of future mobility and government relations, Scott Nargar, told us that some of the operators they were speaking to were keen to own the trucks in conjunction with recognition and assistance from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, ARENA, which exists to support industry moves towards low emissions solutions based on renewables. The trucks will likely be a combination of prime movers and rigids but will all feature the same spec driveline. Six hydrogen tanks each with a 31kg capacity will supply two 90kW fuel cell stacks that in turn will charge a 72kWh battery. The electric motor develops 350kW (470hp) and a thumping 2237Nm of torque, delivering that urge to the drive wheels through an Allison 4500R transmission. Based on European market testing the expected range, including regenerative braking is quoted as 'up to 400km', which would comfortably out-distance similar all-electric heavy-duty trucks now in use in WA fleets. Refuelling, with a 350bar H2 station is claimed to be between 8-20 minutes. XCIENT FC is purely hydrogen fuelled – there is no system to top-up the battery from a charging point. As long as the battery needs charging and there is hydrogen in the tanks, the fuel cell will bubble away even when the truck is parked up. The company is presently finishing off certification and homologation issues and will be sourcing the trucks through its New Zealand operation. That's because the Korean factory only builds the trucks in left-hand drive but converted test units have been running with the Kiwis since 2023. Hence XCIENTs for Australia will dog-leg across the Tasman. No details yet but I'm aware that Hyundai Australia is seeking local conversion opportunities until enough volume can be generated to justify some RHD production from the factory. Hyundai has been trialling this truck in 13 countries including NZ since 2021 with about 13 million kilometres in Switzerland alone. The data accumulated suggests some significant operational and logistical advantages over purely electric drivelines, however the issue of an hydrogen infrastructure looms large. Here in WA, Woodside has started a project with WA Government support to establish an hydrogen production and refuelling facility - Hydrogen Refueller @H2Perth - in the Rockingham industrial zone. Distributing the fuel to stations elsewhere in Perth, particularly the Kewdale transport hub would seem to be a necessity. Elsewhere, Hyundai is expanding the trial in California, where 30 hydrogen fuel cell trucks working in the ports of Oakland and Richmond to haul freight containers and vehicles will shortly be integrated into trials of fully autonomous operations.
