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Hyundai Moves SUV Production To Kia Plant

Automaker will shift manufacturing of its Santa Fe SUV beginning this fall from its plant in Alabama to one in Georgia run by Kia Motor Manufacturing.

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Hyundai Motor America says the automaker will shift manufacturing of its Santa Fe SUV beginning this fall from its plant in Alabama to one in Georgia run by Kia Motor Manufacturing.

Hyundai spokesman Chris Hosford said Tuesday the move boost production capacity at the company's Montgomery, Ala. plant to build its popular Sonata.

It will add about 700 employees at Kia's West Point, Ga. plant, bringing the total to 1,900. Suppliers and other support companies in the area are also expected to add jobs. There will be no change in staffing at the Alabama plant.

Kia says production of the Santa Fe will begin next month at the Georgia plant and ramp up on Oct. 1 with the addition of a second shift.

Kia also builds its Sorrento SUV at the plant.

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