By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter


Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group said on Monday that it may build another automobile manufacturing plant in the United States.

Mississippi is emerging as a key contender for the site, the company said.

Chairman Chung Mong-koo met Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour in Seoul and discussed the plan, Hyundai officials said.

``Chung received a request from Barbour to build an automobile plant in the U.S.,’’ a Hyundai official said. ``Some U.S. states have vied to draw the plant, and Mississippi is one of the attractive sites.’’

The official said the size and the location of the plant have not been decided, but extensive research is underway to select a state.

Kia Motors, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor, admitted that it plans to build a factory in the U.S. In April, Hyundai Motor opened a plant in Montgomery, Ala., in which the company invested $1 billion.

``Barbour said he is well aware of the rapid growth of Hyundai and Kia in the U.S. market, and he is willing to support us,’’ Hyundai said in a statement.

Mississippi has a well-established infrastructure for the car industry, and the local government has been making efforts to improve manpower to support the industry and is favorable for foreign investment. These conditions will be positively considered when selecting the plant’s site, the statement said.

Hyundai Motor and its affiliates have built manufacturing operations in the U.S. to localize key manufacturing processes for its flagship passenger and sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

jj@koreatimes.co.kr