Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) is in Montgomery and was the first automobile manufacturing facility established as a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company in the United States [1]. Alabama edged out Kentucky, and the location was announced in April 2002. The plant covers 3.2 million square feet on 1,744 acres of former pastureland and represents an investment of upwards of $1.7 billion.

Incentives

The incentive package totaled about $253 million, including $55 million for land and site preparation, $76.7 million in tax abatements and $61.8 million for worker training, with private companies contributing $18.2 million [1].

Production

The first production workers were hired in fall 2003. Test production of the Sonata began in July 2004, regular retail production in spring 2005, and the Santa Fe SUV was added in 2006. Theta four-cylinder engine production began in November 2009, Elantra assembly was added, and Santa Cruz pickup production began in 2021. About 30 Tier 1 suppliers serve the plant [1].

Economic impact

A 2011 Auburn University study estimated that the plant contributes up to $3.8 billion to Alabama’s economy, about 7,000 direct supplier jobs and up to 34,000 full-time jobs statewide, with about $61.3 million a year in state tax revenue and roughly 2 percent of the state’s GDP [1]. See Montgomery County.

Announcement and opening

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery was the first U.S. automobile subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company. The site was announced in April 2002 after Alabama officials courted Hyundai, including a Thanksgiving 2001 visit to South Korea. Test production of the Sonata began in July 2004 and regular retail production in spring 2005.[2]

Products

The article lists the Sonata and Elantra sedans, the Santa Fe SUV and the Santa Cruz pickup, which began in 2021.[2]

Scale

The plant has about 3,000 full-time workers on 1,744 acres with about 3.2 million square feet of facilities, with capacity of about 400,000 vehicles and more than 700,000 engines a year. Investment in the state is upwards of .7 billion, and about 30 Tier 1 suppliers supply parts directly.[2]

Incorporation and timeline

HMMA is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company incorporated April 12, 2002 in Montgomery. Construction finished in June 2004, production began in May 2005 and the grand opening was held May 20, 2005. The initial investment was .1 billion and the total is now .7 billion, with about 3,000 employees in 2013.[3]

Models and engines

Model years include the Sonata (2006-2022), Elantra (2011-2023), Santa Fe (2007-2010 and 2016 onward), Santa Cruz (production began June 2021, with a 0 million expansion), Tucson (2022 onward) and the Genesis Electrified GV70 (2023 onward). Engines include Theta II, Nu and Smartstream variants. Expansions included 3 million in 2011 for engine assembly and 8 million announced in 2018 for an engine head plant.[3]

Milestones

The plant celebrated its five millionth vehicle in August 2021, and Hyundai Glovis operates its rail shipping yard. Kia’s West Point, Georgia plant is less than 85 miles away.[3]

FAQs

When did it open? Retail production began in spring 2005.

How many workers? About 3,000.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
3. Wikipedia: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue