Hyundai Scouts Factory Sites in Ohio And Alabama (And KY?)

Gannett News Service reported that Rep. Michael Oxley, R-Ohio, said Monday that Ohio and Alabama are the top two locations for Hyundai's proposed North American automobile plant. Oxley, who met with Hyundai executives Saturday in South Korea, said he believes the automaker will decide on the final location by late February or early March. Hyundai President Dong-jin Kim and other executives are expected to visit two Ohio sites later this week. The automaker reportedly also is considering a site near Montgomery, Ala., as well as sites in other Southern states. The $1 billion auto plant will employ about 2,000 workers. Ohio Gov. Bob Taft has offered the automaker an incentive package. During his visit to South Korea, Oxley talked with executives, toured facilities and test-drove some of the company's models. He said Hyundai executives told him they want to be among the top five automakers in the world in a few years.