Hyundai Motor Achieves 5 Million Units Cumulative Production at Alabama Plant in the US

Achieved 16 Years After Full-Scale Production Started in the US in May 2005 on the 27th of Last Month
Produced 2.56 Million Sonata, 1.48 Million Avante, 900,000 Santa Fe, etc... The 5 Millionth Vehicle is Santa Cruz

Hyundai Motor Alabama Plant in the United States (Photo by Hyundai Motor)

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Hyundai Motor Company's Alabama plant in the United States has reached a cumulative production of 5 million units.

On the 12th (local time), Hyundai Motor announced that it held a ceremony to commemorate the achievement of producing 5 million units at its U.S. plant (HMMA) located in Montgomery, Alabama.

The event was attended by government officials including Jo Bonner, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Alabama; Terri Sewell, Alabama State Representative; Steven Reed, Mayor of Montgomery; as well as executives and employees including Kim Eui-sung, head of the Alabama plant corporation.

On this day, Hyundai celebrated by unveiling the 5 millionth vehicle, the Santa Cruz, in a motor show format at the training center inside the plant and held a vehicle parade.

The parade featured all vehicle lineups currently in production along with the NF Sonata, the first model produced at the U.S. plant. The event was further enriched by the attendance of founding members of the U.S. plant and a local high school band.

Hyundai began full-scale production locally in the U.S. in May 2005, producing 2,562,880 Sonatas, 1,489,568 Avantes (known locally as Elantra), 908,779 Santa Fes, 36,989 Tucsons, and 1,784 Santa Cruz units respectively. On the 27th of last month, after 16 years, it achieved the milestone of 5 million units produced.

In particular, after surpassing 1 million units in 2009, 2 million in 2012, 3 million in 2015, and 4 million in 2018, Hyundai exceeded the 5 million mark within three years. The company emphasized that this achievement was made despite the challenging business environment last year, including the automotive industry's downturn due to COVID-19.

The Hyundai U.S. plant is equipped with an annual production capacity of 370,000 units on approximately 7.16 million square meters (2.16 million pyeong) of land, including press, body, painting, assembly, and engine plants. It produces five core models for the U.S. market: Avante, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Santa Cruz.

The 5 millionth Santa Cruz vehicle unveiled in the form of a motor show

The 5 Millionth Produced Vehicle is the Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz, the 5 millionth vehicle produced, features ▲bold yet sophisticated design ▲powerful powertrain ▲HTRAC, an all-wheel-drive system that ensures all-weather driving performance ▲a body type combining the advantages of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) and a pickup truck ▲and advanced safety and convenience features.

Developed based on the Tucson, the best-selling SUV model in North America, the Santa Cruz offers excellent fuel efficiency and top-notch product quality. It is scheduled to be officially launched in the U.S. market in the second half of the year.

Kim Eui-sung, head of the corporation, said, “Today's achievement was made possible not only by employees and partners who have maintained the highest quality but also through the continuous support of the state of Alabama and local governments.” He added, “I express my deep gratitude to all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly for the growth of the Hyundai brand and sales expansion, as well as to customers who have trusted and loved Hyundai.”

Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, conveyed in a congratulatory letter, “Hyundai is an indispensable key member not only in the region but throughout the state of Alabama,” and added, “Congratulations on the remarkable achievements of Hyundai’s Alabama plant.”

Steven Reed, Mayor of Montgomery, said, “Thank you for your dedication to the local community,” and emphasized, “We will actively support continued success in the future.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.