Hyundai thinking about establishing Elantra production in the U.S.

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai has confirmed that it has been toying with the idea of establishing Elantra production in the U.S., but denies reports that a decision has already been reached. It has been reported in a Korean Newspaper that the company will begin Elantra production in its Montgomery, Al. plant next spring. The same report, which has been denied by Hyundai, also reports that a new version of the Santa Fe will be built in the Kia facility in West Point, GA., and will replace the current version produced in Montgomery.

The Elantra sold in the U.S. is also sold in Korea as the Avante, and is manufactured exclusively at the company”s plant in Ulsan, South Korea. With 103,000 units shipped to the U.S. in 2009, it is Hyundai”s most successful export vehicle.

The reports claim that a U.S.-built Elantra would reportedly use Hyundai”s new Nu 2.0 CVVL engine, currently being produced in China.

2011 Hyundai Elantra (Avante):

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: WardsAuto