Kia launches flagship EV at West Point manufacturing plant
Kia Georgia celebrated a historic milestone on May 30, 2024, when it rolled an all-electric 2025 EV9 off its assembly line in West Point, Ga. The three-row SUV is the first electric vehicle ever produced in Georgia, and it is also the culmination of a $200 million expansion that has added about 200 jobs at Kia’s plant.
The vehicle was introduced by SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO for Kia North America and Kia America, then driven off the assembly line by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and James Watson, Kia Georgia’s Vice President of Production.
“Today’s launch of the Kia EV9 in Georgia is the latest example of Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market and the state of Georgia,” said Yoon at the event. “… EV9 will be in excellent hands with the team members at Kia Georgia, and their track record for assembling award-winning, world-renowned products speaks for itself.”
Georgia Quick Start worked with Kia to design and develop an “Introduction to EV Vehicles” course, along with an EV safety course for new and current Kia employees on the EV9 production line.
Seoul, South Korea
Movement that inspires
This represents Kia’s aim to change the future for the better and not only be a respected company but a company that people feel inspired by and want to work for.
West Georgia Technical College
— Stuart Countess, President and CEO of Kia Georgia
State and business leaders gather to celebrate the start of assembly of the all-electric 2024 EV9 event at Kia’s production facility in West Point.
“Marty and I were privileged to be part of this monumental accomplishment by the Kia Georgia team,” said Gov. Brian Kemp at the event. “This expansion of Kia’s operations in our state and the addition of this incredible new product line to the vehicles already being built in West Point is just the latest example of what comes from state and local partners working with this valued job creator.”
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff also spoke at the event.
More than 15 years ago, Quick Start helped Kia start up its operation making cars. Now, Quick Start is helping Kia add electric vehicles to its award-winning lineup.
