Reality check: Is the GA Hyundai plant closing or expanding after ICE raid?

Despite some internet rumors, Hyundai has not canceled plans to complete the electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia but has instead recommitted themselves to the project. In fact, they have broadened their agreement significantly.

At its CEO Investor Day and in a prior press release, the Korean car company announced a sweeping expansion to production and an overall investment of $26 million over three years.

Hyundai sets new short-term goals

Speaking in New York, CEO José Muñoz outlined Hyundai Motor’s goals to grow in the global market. The new plans have global reach and go far beyond the battery plant project in Georgia.

Here’s what they are promising:

• $5 billion battery joint venture in Cartersville, Georgia
• Expansions to the Kia Corp. plant in West Point, Georgia
• A steel mill in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, 
• A robotics hub and expansion of the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama 

Hyundai issues new guidance on tariffs

In a press release published ahead of the Investor Day, they announced a reduction to the 2025 budget, citing the current tariff rate of 25%.

The new operating profit margin will be approximately 7% but the company aims to raise it back to their previous number of approximately 9% by 2030.

This tariff is directly affecting Hyundai’s profitability by raising costs on cars and components not made domestically, especially given that only about 40% of its U.S. sales are currently made in the U.S.

Expect major product expansion

The car company announced a bold plan to increase the amount of cars here in the US and they are planning for rapid growth at its Ellabell Georgia “Metaplant.”

Here’s what they are promising, all around:

• 500,000 vehicles a year, including hybrids, EVs
• A midsize truck for the first time ever
• 18 hybrid models globally
• Extended-range EVs in 2027
• Several US specific offerings
• 10 model lineup at the Georgia facility

A global timeline

This timeline reflects Hyundai’s immediate efforts toward electrification and their longer goals of pioneering and implementing advanced software productions and new model launches.

Here is a roadmap to the events and products Hyundai is promising:

Phase 1

2025

• Revenue growth target raised and operating profit adjusted
• Announces KRW 77.3 trillion ( $55.66 billion in USD) investment by 2030
• Rollout of Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) platform and High-Performance Vehicle Computer

2026

• Genesis brand introduces hybrid models
• All-new Palisade Hybrid launches
• Launch of cloud-based battery management system
• A plant in Saudi Arabia

2027

• Debut of first Extended Range electric vehicle (EREV)

Phase 2

2028

• Expansion at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA)
• Adds 200,000 units of annual capacity
• 3,000 new jobs
• Reaches 500,000 a year  hybrid and EV vehicles

2030

•  Reach target of 55.5 million vehicles sold globally
• Hybrid choices expand to 18 or more
• Announces the first midsize pickup truck

This major funding announcement reflects a renewed confidence in Hyundai’s commitment toward electrification and manufacturing here in Georgia, and beyond.

Despite the ICE raid at the plant in Georgia, in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, President Trump said foreign workers are “welcome” and that the U.S. should take its cues from other high-tech industries.

Are you glad the project is back on track? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published September 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Reality check: Is the GA Hyundai plant closing or expanding after ICE raid?."