Kia to Make Decision on Location of First U.S.-Based Plant By End of Q1

Washington DC March 6, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Kia spokesman Michael Choo, in an email last week, indicated that the automaker plans to announce the final decision on a location for its first U.S.-based assembly plant by the end of Q1 or the close of March.

According to Automotive News, "Kia harbors ambitious plans for U.S. growth. It sold a record 275,851 vehicles in the United States in 2005, up from 270,055 in 2004. It is aiming for 500,000 sales in 2010."

Reports speculate the company may be centering in on a location in West Pont, Georgia. Economic development officials in three states report Kia has signed a tentative agreement and has asked the state to complete an incentive package within the next 30 days.

Mississippi is among the remaining states vying for the new Kia plant and has reportedly offered Kia $240 million in federal tax breaks to build in Columbus, MS, just 225 miles north of the Gulf coast.