Production of 2012 Kia Optima kicks off in the United States
The first U.S.-built 2012 Kia Optima rolled off the production line last week at the company’s Georgia plant as it completed a series of expansion projects to raise annual capacity.
The 2012 Kia Optima now joins the Sorento as the second Kia vehicle to be produced at the West Point facility. Kia recently added a third shift that raised the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 3,000.
“Kia has become one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. thanks in large part to the success of KMMG, and the addition of new team members, and the critically-acclaimed Optima to the production line is further evidence of our commitment to the U.S. and local economy,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America.
In addition to the jobs created at the plant, nearby suppliers have added another 7,500 new positions in the region to support Kia’s annual capacity of 360,000 vehicles in 2012.
– By: Omar Rana
