Production Launch of the IONIQ 9

In an exciting development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, Hyundai has officially kicked off production of its highly anticipated IONIQ 9 — the company's first three-row electric SUV — at its state-of-the-art EV plant in Georgia. The grand opening ceremony of the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America took place on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry.

Investment and Job Creation

Hyundai's new Georgia facility is a monumental part of a staggering $7.6 billion investment project, which stands as the largest economic development initiative in the state's history. It is set to generate approximately 8,500 jobs by 2030. This investment is not just limited to the assembly plant; when factoring in its battery partnerships with SK On and LG Energy Solutions, and the additional 18 suppliers involved, the total investment associated with this project exceeds an impressive $12.6 billion. Analysts from the Center for Automotive Research even project that these efforts could create nearly 40,000 jobs throughout the state.

Remarks from Leadership

During the grand opening, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung expressed his excitement: “Together with the talented workforce at HMGMA, we are building the future of mobility with America, in America." This ambitious statement was echoed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and other notable automotive executives.

Production Capacity

The new plant is designed for significant output, with an annual production capacity for up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis combined. Initially, it will focus on producing 300,000 vehicles per year. Despite the formal opening ceremony, the assembly line had already produced the first model, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, which began rolling out in October.

Features of the IONIQ 9

The IONIQ 9 is expected to make its debut this spring, boasting impressive specifications, including a robust 110.3 kWh battery that provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles. The SUV will feature a spacious “lounge-like” interior, offering up to 1,322 liters of cargo space, surpassing Kia’s EV9, which provides up to 1,233 liters of space. With dimensions of 5,060 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,790 mm tall, the IONIQ 9 is slightly larger than its Kia counterpart.

Pricing and Future Plans

Pricing for the IONIQ 9 has yet to be officially announced, but estimates suggest a starting price of around $60,000, positioning it just above the Kia EV9. Additionally, 2026 is expected to see the launch of the first Kia vehicle produced at this facility; speculation is rife that it could be the EV4, Kia's long-awaited electric sedan.

Ongoing Investments and Challenges

This grand opening comes on the heels of Hyundai's monumental $21 billion investment announcement in the U.S., which will significantly enhance production capabilities across its brands. Of that investment, $9 billion is allocated to ramp up output to 1.2 million vehicles, with an additional $6 billion earmarked for a new steel plant in Louisiana.

Political Concerns

As the automotive landscape shifts toward electrification, some policymakers are raising concerns regarding potential challenges posed by recent political decisions. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff warned that reduced federal tax credits for electric vehicles could hinder EV sales and jeopardize the industry’s competitiveness against other nations like China in the global market.

Conclusion

As excitement builds for the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and its upcoming release, many are eager to see how it will stand up against the growing competition in the electric SUV segment.