Kia took a monumental step forward in its electric vehicle journey as the assembly line at its West Point, Georgia plant started production of the 2025 EV9 all-electric SUV. This milestone event marks the first time an electric vehicle has rolled off an assembly line in the Peach State, solidifying Georgia's emergence as an e-mobility powerhouse.
The EV9 launch celebrates the culmination of over $200 million in facility expansions and the creation of 200 new jobs at the West Point plant. But the significance goes far beyond dollars and headcounts - it's a tangible embodiment of Kia's strategic pivot through its Plan S electrification roadmap.
Joined by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Kia Georgia VP James Watson, SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, proudly introduced the EV9 before it drove off the newly retooled line. "Today's launch is the latest example of Kia's commitment to the U.S. market and Georgia," Yoon stated. "With EV9 in excellent hands alongside award-winners like Telluride, Sorento and Sportage, our track record for world-class assembly is unwavering."
Governor Kemp highlighted the collaborative efforts between Kia and state partners that positioned Georgia as an emerging "e-mobility capital." The investment reinforces the economic impacts transcending just jobs - it cultivates an ecosystem primed for sustainable transportation leadership.
The EV9 rollout is a full-circle moment for Kia Georgia's President Stuart Countess, who reflected on the plant's 2009 beginnings. "The same team that turned early challenges into achievements now propels us into an electrified era with their unwavering quality focus," Countess stated. "We're excited to uphold that legacy with Kia's flagship EV."
For the Canadian market, the Georgia-assembled EV9's availability signals Kia's dedication to providing innovative, eco-friendly mobility solutions across North America. This investment bolsters Kia's reputation for world-class quality, design and performance - qualities that resonate with discerning Canadian drivers.
