Hyundai is on track to achieve its fifth consecutive year of record sales in the U.S. while aggressively expanding its footprint in the market. Despite challenges like new auto tariffs and a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at its Georgia battery plant construction site, Hyundai remains committed to its ambitious growth strategy.
Tariffs and Localization Strategy
CEO Jose Muñoz confirmed Hyundai’s $26 billion U.S. investment plan over the next four years, emphasizing localization as the key to navigating reduced (but still impactful) 15% tariffs on imported vehicles. The company will expand production capacity in Georgia beyond its initial commitments, funneling $2.7 billion into the state alongside the previously announced $12.6 billion for the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) and related facilities.
ICE Raid and Job Creation
In September, an ICE raid detained over 300 South Korean workers at a joint Hyundai-LG Energy Solutions battery plant construction site, drawing criticism. Despite this, Hyundai’s Georgia investments—the largest in the state’s history—are expected to create 40,000 jobs across manufacturing, battery production, and supplier networks. The HMGMA facility is currently hiring to reach full production capacity and will expand its output to include hybrids starting in 2026, alongside its existing electric vehicles (EVs).
Sales Growth and Competitive Edge
Hyundai sold 823,000 vehicles in the U.S. through November 2025, an 8% year-over-year increase, positioning it for a fifth straight record sales year. To offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, Hyundai offers some of the industry’s most competitive discounts. The Georgia-built IONIQ 5, for example, is available to lease for just $189/month—one of the lowest EV lease rates in the market.
Future Plans
Muñoz highlighted ongoing projects in robotics, AI, and supply chain localization to optimize costs. The company’s U.S. strategy prioritizes scaling local production and sourcing to reduce dependency on imports and tariffs.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and three-row IONIQ 9 are currently built at the Georgia plant. Prospective buyers are encouraged to explore available Hyundai EVs through local dealerships.
