First Kia, first hybrid vehicle built at Georgia Metaplant unveiled in Bryan County

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The first Kia vehicle and the first hybrid vehicle ever built at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America were officially unveiled Tuesday, marking another milestone for Georgia’s largest economic development project.

The vehicle, a 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid SUV, rolled out before a crowd of state and local leaders, including Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, at the Ellabell facility in Bryan County.

The Sportage Hybrid becomes the latest vehicle produced at the sprawling manufacturing campus and joins two electric vehicle models already being assembled at the plant.

Kia Georgia President and CEO Stuart Countess said the launch demonstrates the facility’s continued growth and the economic opportunities it is creating throughout the region.

“The jobs that you have here or at my facility get multiplied many times over by all the suppliers that come in and support it, which again creates more opportunity,” Countess said.

Gov. Kemp praised the metaplant’s impact on job creation, innovation and economic development across Georgia.

“The Kia Sportage Hybrid is really just the latest Georgia-made vehicle that we proudly stand behind,” Kemp said.

He added that the campus has become an integral part of the region’s economy and continues to evolve to meet consumer demand.

“This campus has become an integral part of the entire region, and it’s just getting better with today’s milestone,” Kemp said. “Just like Georgia, this facility is always adapting to meet the demands of its consumers.”

The unveiling marks another step in the expansion of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America’s manufacturing operations, which have become a major driver of economic activity in coastal Georgia since construction began.

Plant leaders said the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is already available to consumers, while the 2027 model is expected to arrive on dealership lots in the near future.