Governor Ivey Joins Hyundai to Celebrate Major Investment in Alabama Manufacturing

Governor Ivey Joins Hyundai to Celebrate Major Investment in Alabama Manufacturing
Governor Kay Ivey gave remarks at a Hyundai announcing Project Game Changer that includes the introduction of new multi-engine production, including hybrid engines and the addition of Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology Wednesday, October 28, 2026 in Montgomery, Ala. HMMA will also manufacture the next-generation Tucson, including hybrid variants and the newly redesigned Santa Fe as part of its expanded product lineup. The project represents a capital investment of $412,885,541 and the creation of 53 new full-time positions with an average hourly wage of $30.03 ($62,467 annually). (Governor’s Office/Hal Yeager)

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday joined company officials and state and local leaders to celebrate Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s (HMMA)announcement that it will invest nearly $450 million to expand production at its Montgomery facility.

“Since its founding in Montgomery 24 years ago, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama has become synonymous with cutting-edge design and endless innovation in performance,” said Governor Ivey. “Alabama and Hyundai are a winning team, and this substantial investment to enhance Hyundai’s well-known automotive line will propel our successful partnership to even greater heights. The future of Hyundai in Alabama is brighter than ever.”

The HMMA site will expand engine production to support hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle technologies. The Montgomery plant will also be prepared for future production of the refreshed Santa Fe and the all-new Tucson — two important products in Hyundai’s global lineup. 

“These investments will support new vehicle production, expanded engine manufacturing capabilities and advanced propulsion technologies that provide customers with greater choice and flexibility as the automotive industry continues to evolve,” said HMMA Chief Operating Officer Mark Rader.“Most importantly, these investments represent confidence. Confidence in this facility. Confidence in our workforce. Confidence in our supplier network. And confidence in Alabama.”

With this expansion, HMMA’s total investment is nearly $2.2 billion since production began in 2005.

“Since Hyundai began production in Alabama more than 20 years ago, the company has become an important part of our state’s economic success,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “This latest investment will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, support the development of advanced automotive technologies and help prepare our workforce for the next generation of vehicles.”

Rader also acknowledged that the benefits of this project will extend far beyond Montgomery, creating opportunities across the state and strengthening Alabama’s position as one of America’s leading automotive manufacturing centers.

‘True community partner’

The HMMA site currently employs 4,200 team members. It and its suppliers have an annual economic impact of more than $5 billion. The facility contributes about $100 million in state tax revenue and over $12 million in local tax revenue each year.

“Hyundai’s continued growth in Montgomery is a tremendous source of pride for this community,” said Anna Buckalew, president and CEO of the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We have had the privilege of being part of this journey from the beginning and watching HMMA grow into one of the world’s leading automotive operations. Every new investment is a reflection of Hyundai’s continued belief in Montgomery, our people and the partnership we have built together. We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished here, and we look forward to continuing to earn the next investment and the next chapter of Hyundai’s growth in Montgomery.”

Over the past four years, Hyundai has donated nearly $1 million annually to regional charities, public school systems and quality of life initiatives across the River Region and beyond.

“Hyundai’s investment in Montgomery is a partnership that has helped shape our city’s economy for more than two decades,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “With more than 4,200 team members, HMMA has created opportunities for thousands of families while demonstrating a commitment to the community beyond its plant. This latest investment reflects Hyundai’s confidence in our city and the people who have made its success possible. We look forward to building on that success and creating even more opportunities for Montgomery residents.”

Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton said Hyundai is a powerful example of what happens when a community plans for the future and works together to make it possible. 

“Long before the first vehicle rolled off the line, leaders were investing in infrastructure and preparing this community for opportunities they could not yet see,” said Singleton. “We are benefiting from those decisions today. Hyundai has also been a true community partner, giving back and investing in the people and organizations that make Montgomery County stronger. This expansion is another reminder that our responsibility is to keep working together and making the investments that will position Montgomery County and the entire region for the next generation of growth.”

A photo from today’s event is attached.

###

Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov