Hyundai reveals first look at the Hyundai IONIQ 5, first vehicle to be produced at Metaplant site

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The first car that will be made at the Hyundai plant in our area was officially revealed Tuesday.

Our first look at the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, that company spokespeople say will be rolling out of the Bryan County Megasite sometime before the end of the year.

“I just can’t tell you how excited we are to be here today,” said HMGMA Head of Communications, Joe LaMuraglia.

At a dealership less than 30 miles from the production site, Hyundai leaders emphasize the importance of keeping everything about this car local.

“It’s so important that this vehicle is going to be built right up the road by people who live here and work here and will be giving back to this community.”

Chico Murphy is one of those people. Working in quality control, he’s the last line of defense to make sure this car functions the way it’s supposed to.

“I make sure the emblems are on correct”

“Door jams, making sure there’s no sticky doors.”

“Tires, making sure they’re all correct”

This car wouldn’t have made it to the reveal if it wasn’t to Chico’s liking, which comes with a feeling that’s hard for him to describe.

“As far as prideful it’s more than words can explain,” said Murphy.

He calls it rewarding, and having grown up in the area he sees the plant as an opportunity for younger generations of people just like him.

“I’m actually from Savannah, Georgia so I know this company is going to do great things for the community,” said Murphy.

Chico sees the wider impact but is ready for the individual one too, excited to see something he made drive the streets he grew up on.

“You can go down the road see a car you have your kids with you, you can be like hey Dad had a hand in building this car,” said Murphy.

We’re still waiting on an official date you can buy a 2025 IONIQ 5 and its off-road counterpart the XRT as made in our area, but if or when you do, your neighbors like Chico say they will be making sure it’s worthy of our community.

Even down to the horn.