Kia Motors announced this morning that its West Point, Georgia plant will now add a second vehicle to its production line, the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Georgia plant, which opened its doors last November, is already home to the Kia Sorento and has an annual capacity of 310,000 units. Paired with the addition of a second shift, the move is scheduled to begin later this month into next month.The big move for the Santa Fe, from Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama facility to the Kia plant, was made as a result of overwhelming demand for Sonata sedans. Hyundai is at full capacity at its plant in Montgomery. John Krafcik, chief executive of Hyundai's U.S. operations, said sales of the Sonata, which was redesigned this year, are being held back by lack of supply. Sonata sales were up 45% this year through July. All Sonatas sold in the U.S. are made in this country.
[Source: Kia]
