Hyundai Breaks Ground on First Middle East Plant in Saudi Arabia
Key Ideas
- Hyundai has initiated the construction of its first production plant in Saudi Arabia, located in the King Salman Automotive Cluster.
- The plant, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East (HMMME), is a joint venture with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and is set to begin production in Q4 2026.
- The facility will have an annual capacity of 50,000 units, producing both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine models.
- Hyundai aims to establish a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in Saudi Arabia through partnerships with various entities, including the Korea Automotive Technology Institute.
Hyundai has started the construction of its inaugural manufacturing base in the Middle East, specifically in Saudi Arabia. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East (HMMME) took place at the King Salman Automotive Cluster within the King Abdullah Economic City. This marks a significant milestone in Hyundai's global expansion efforts. The joint venture between Hyundai and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is under a 30-70 stake scheme. Production at HMMME is set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with an annual capacity of 50,000 units, encompassing both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine models. Furthermore, Hyundai is focusing on developing a hydrogen mobility ecosystem in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with partners like the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, Air Products Qudra, and the Saudi Public Transport Company. Through this partnership, the parties are looking to work together on creating a hydrogen mobility environment and executing a pilot project involving hydrogen electric buses.