Seoul: Kia Corp.'s production plant in the U.S. state of Georgia: has achieved over 5 million units in cumulative production, the automaker said Wednesday. A rollout ceremony for the 5 millionth unit at the West Point plant was held Tuesday (U.S. time), with the unit, a Telluride sport utility vehicle (SUV), also marking the first-ever hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to be assembled in Georgia, as well as Kia's first U.S.-assembled HEV, according to the company.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean carmaker began producing the Telluride exclusively in Georgia in 2019. The ceremony was attended by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Kia executives, and local community leaders, highlighting the plant's role as a key manufacturing hub and employer in the Southeast.

"As the only plant in the world that builds the Telluride, today represents far more than the launch of a vehicle," Yoon Seung-kyu, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Kia North America and Kia America, was quoted as saying, calling the milestone a testament to the plant's workforce and long-term investment. Kemp said the milestone reflects the strength of the partnership among Kia, the local community, and the state, adding that Georgia will continue to support the company's future growth and innovation.

Since starting production in 2009, the West Point facility has grown into one of the region's largest employers.