In the very near future, Kia’s midsize CUV will be sporting a new look and a new home. The Korean automaker is currently plowing manpower and resources into its first U.S. facility, a manufacturing plant situated in the small city of West Point, Georgia. The plant represents a $1.2 billion commitment to both Kia and West Point’s futures, the latter of which was essentially rescued economically by the growing automaker.
West Point seemingly had little going for it and looked to be on its way to becoming a ghost town. A former textiles hub with a small population of just 3500, jobs became increasingly difficult to come by after the mills shut down in the 1990s. But times are different now, as Kia has not only brought gainful employment and hope, but a positive change in lifestyle as well. The city’s first new subdivision in 25 years is under construction, and local businesses are seeing increased traffic come through their doors. Asian restaurants and businesses are setting up shop; a Korean BBQ restaurant has replaced the old Pizza Hut, while a local Korean favorite called Young’s Garden has replaced a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Even the local carwash has said business has improved about 70 percent.
According to Mayor Drew Ferguson, West Point, unofficially dubbed Kia-ville, stands to gain 20,000 jobs as a result of the factory’s presence over the next five years. Not too shabby in a time when the state unemployment rate hovers around 9.7 percent.
While the Kia plant will be the shining beacon lighting West Point’s future, let’s not forget about the products that the plant will produce. The 2011 Kia Sorento will be the first U.S.-built Kia vehicle to leave the production line. The fully redesigned crossover will feature improved fuel economy, more passenger room, increased seating capacity, and a wide array of standard and available features. The new Sorentos are expected to roll off the assembly line later this year, and you can bet when #1 is completed, the town will be on hand for the occasion.