Kia starts production at first U.S. plant

SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Yonhap) -- Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's second-largest
automaker, said Tuesday it began commercial production at its first assembly
factory in the United States.
Kia, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Co., began construction of the facility in
West Point, Georgia in 2006, at a cost of US$1.2 billion.
"The start of production for our first manufacturing facility in the United
States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America," said Ahn
Byeong-mo, head of Kia's U.S. division, in a statement.
The Georgia plant has an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles and
employs 2,500 people, according to the statement.
Kia said its suppliers would create 7,500 more jobs in the U.S. state. Hyundai
operates a plant in nearby Alabama.
Both Hyundai and Kia have managed to successfully navigate the worst global
economic slump in decades due to their vehicle line-up focused on cheaper and
more fuel-efficient cars.
In the third quarter of this year, Kia posted its largest-ever net profit of 402
billion won ($348 million) with global sales jumping 30 percent to 279,969 units,
the company said earlier.
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