Hyundai to Launch 10 New EV & Hybrid Models by 2030 in US. Hyundai Motor has announced bold new plans to strengthen its position in the U.S. market despite rising trade barriers. The South Korean automaker revealed it will launch 10 new EV and hybrid models by 2030, with most of them produced in America. The strategy comes as part of Hyundai’s effort to offset the financial impact of U.S. tariffs and secure long-term growth. At the same time, Hyundai has lowered its short-term profit targets but remains confident about reaching higher margins by the end of the decade. With its Georgia factory ramping up to produce 500,000 vehicles annually by 2028, Hyundai is betting big on the U.S. as its most important market.
Hyundai’s U.S. Production Expansion
Currently, 40% of Hyundai’s vehicles sold in the U.S. are built locally. By 2030, the company wants this figure to rise to 80%, making it one of the most aggressive localization plans in the industry. The Georgia Plant, worth $7.6 billion, will produce both EVs and hybrid cars, with capacity expected to hit 500,000 units per year by 2028. At least 10 EV and hybrid models will roll out of this plant before 2030, including SUVs, sedans, and a mid-size pickup truck for North America. The plant will also integrate advanced battery production and could eventually use humanoid robots to cut fixed costs. This move is designed to protect Hyundai from unpredictable tariff policies while giving it a competitive edge in the U.S. market.
Why Tariffs Are Shaping Hyundai’s Strategy
The decision comes after U.S. tariffs cost Hyundai nearly 828 billion won ($606 million) in Q2 2025 alone. President Trump recently announced a reduction of some tariffs, lowering the rate on South Korean imports from a threatened 25% to 15%, but many uncertainties remain. Jose Munoz, co-CEO of Hyundai, explained that producing cars where they are sold is the best long-term strategy. “We need to grow in the United States and produce what we sell in the United States,” Munoz said at an investor event in New York. Still, analysts warn that if tariffs are removed later, Hyundai will need to prove the efficiency of such a high U.S. production level. Deploying new technologies, like humanoid robots in its Georgia plant, could be one way to justify these costs.
Financial Impact and New Profit Targets
Hyundai also revised its financial outlook: for 2025, operating profit margin cut to 6–7% (down from 7–8%); by 2027, margins expected to rise back to 7–8%; by 2030, target margin set at 8–9%. The company admitted that U.S. tariffs are weighing heavily on short-term results, but management remains confident in long-term profitability.
Global Hybrid and EV Roadmap
Hyundai is not only focused on the U.S. but also expanding globally. By 2030, it plans to expand its hybrid lineup from 14 to 18 models, launch Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) in 2027, introduce its first mid-size pickup truck in North America before 2030, and work with affiliate Kia, as both brands together form the world’s third-largest automaker by sales. This wider range of models shows Hyundai’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio, offering everything from compact hybrids to long-range EVs.
Hyundai’s Georgia Factory – The Heart of U.S. Operations
Hyundai’s factory in Georgia will be the company’s main hub for U.S. production. It will produce 500,000 vehicles annually by 2028, including hybrids and EVs, and integrate advanced battery production technology. Recently, South Korean workers were detained in the U.S. during a battery plant inspection, which has raised concerns about labor and international cooperation. Hyundai hopes both governments will resolve these issues quickly to keep the project on track.
U.S.–South Korea Trade Relations
The trade environment is still uncertain. While the U.S. cut tariffs on Japanese cars to 15%, South Korea still faces the 25% tariff rate on autos. A July agreement to reduce duties in exchange for a $350 billion Korean investment in the U.S. has yet to be finalized. This ongoing struggle highlights why Hyundai is accelerating local production — it reduces dependency on unpredictable global trade deals.
Industry Expert Opinions
Shin Yoon-chul, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, noted that Hyundai’s plan to build 80% of vehicles in the U.S. is the highest in the industry. It will help cushion the impact of tariffs under Trump, but could become a fixed-cost burden if tariffs are removed later. In other words, Hyundai must ensure that its U.S. operations remain efficient and profitable, regardless of future trade policies.
What This Means for U.S. Consumers
For American buyers, Hyundai’s shift is good news. More U.S. production means faster delivery times for new models, expanded choice of EVs, hybrids, and SUVs, more competitive pricing as tariff costs are reduced, and job creation in Georgia and surrounding states.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is Hyundai increasing U.S. production?
To reduce the impact of tariffs and ensure stability in its biggest market.
Q2: How many EV and hybrid models will Hyundai launch by 2030?
At least 10 new models from its U.S. Georgia plant.
Q3: What is Hyundai’s profit margin outlook?
6–7% in 2025, 7–8% in 2027, and 8–9% by 2030.
Q4: Will Hyundai still produce cars in South Korea?
Yes, U.S. expansion will not reduce Korean production.
Q5: When will Hyundai’s Georgia plant reach full capacity?
By 2028, producing 500,000 vehicles annually.
Conclusion
Hyundai’s plan to launch 10 new EV and hybrid models by 2030 is more than just a product update — it’s a strategic response to global trade tensions. By producing 80% of its U.S. sales locally, Hyundai hopes to offset tariffs, secure profitability, and expand its presence in the world’s largest car market. With a massive investment in its Georgia plant, revised profit targets, and an expanded hybrid and EV lineup, Hyundai is positioning itself for long-term success. The road ahead may have challenges, but the automaker’s commitment to innovation and localization sets a strong foundation for growth.
