During a brief presentation at Savannah’s AutoNation Hyundai dealership, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) has officially named the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 as the first production vehicle to be manufactured at the company’s new Metaplant in north Bryan County.

While the 2025 model of the all-electric SUV has yet to be officially released for North American markets, HMGMA is currently readying to begin production in the fourth quarter of this year. The new Ellabell plant will produce all trim lines (except the IONIQ 5 N) and will eventually be the sole facility building IONIQ 5 models for the U.S. market.

“It is one of the most award-winning EVs on sale and one of the more popular EVs available in the market today,” said Joe LaMuralglia, head of communications at HMGMA. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been awarded numerous accolades from publications such as MotorTrend, Car and Driver, and U.S. News and World Report. “I just think that this is a monumental occasion for us. We cannot express just how proud we are and excited we are to be a part of this community and to have locals be a part of the future of mobility”, LaMuralglia added. 

According to LaMuralglia, 81% of employees hired so far at the Metaplant are native to southeast Georgia, living within 60 miles of the north Bryan facility. Hyundai Motor Group is investing $7.59 billion to develop HMGMA, which will create 8,500 direct jobs. Additionally, Hyundai and battery supplier SK On are currently building a $5 billion EV battery cell plant in Bartow County, Georgia that will employ 3,500 workers. 

Additional vehicles to be produced at the Metaplant will be announced in the future, according to official sources. The Metaplant will produce Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia vehicles.