South Korean automaker Kia said Wednesday it plans to invest over $200 million in its assembly plant in Georgia, where it will begin production of the electric EV9 SUV next year.
The news comes as foreign automakers double down on North American production in order to qualify for federal EV tax credits. Assembly on the continent is required for vehicles to be eligible for up to $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed in August 2022.
Hyundai Motor Group, which owns Kia, is also working with battery manufacturer SK On to build a new battery manufacturing plant in the state. SK Innovation has also opened a $2.6 billion battery plant in Georgia to produce batteries for Ford.
Kia said it will add about 200 jobs to build the technology-packed, three-row SUV, as well as four other models. The EV9 will be Kia’s first EV to be assembled in th …
