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A view of Hyundai Motor Group’s newly constructed plant, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), in the state of Georgia, USA. /Hyundai Motor Group |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] As former President Donald Trump signaled plans to impose tariffs on automobiles, Kia America, the U.S. subsidiary of Kia, reaffirmed its commitment to U.S.-based production.
On Sunday, Kia America’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Steven Center stated in an interview with Yahoo Finance, "We are doing what we believe is right for Kia, and that means building as many cars as possible here (in the U.S.)."
Last month, Kia sold 63,303 vehicles in the U.S., with 24,942 units (39.4%) manufactured domestically. The remaining supply came from South Korea (42.2%) and Mexico (18.4%).
Kia currently operates a manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia. Additionally, the company plans to produce vehicles at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County, Georgia, which has an annual production capacity of 300,000 units.
Regarding Trump’s tariff policy, Center stated, "We have held numerous meetings on this issue over the past few months and have developed business strategies to adapt." He added, "We will continue to operate in a way that best benefits our customers and dealers."
Trump has consistently expressed his intent to impose auto tariffs since his presidency. Last month, he specifically mentioned a 25% tariff rate on automobiles. For Mexico and Canada, the U.S. initially imposed a 25% tariff on vehicles and auto parts on March 4 but later postponed the measure for a month.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
