Governor Bob Riley shakes hands with Hybrid Kinetic Motors Chairman Yung (Benjamin) Yeung after they unveiled an artistÂs rendering of the automotive plant the company plans to build in Baldwin County. The company announced Thursday during a news conference at the state capitol that it will build hybrid vehicles in Alabama and expects to create more than 5,000 direct jobs. (Gov. Riley's Press Office / September 24, 2009) |
MONTGOMERY, AL—
A group of Chinese investors plans to construct a large-scale plant to manufacture hybrid automobiles in northern Baldwin County near Mobile. Governor Riley announced the deal today.Gov. Riley and the chairman of H.K. Motors, Yung "Benjamin" Yeung said the company is expected to begin operations in 2013 and will create more than 5,000 jobs.
Yeung said the company chose Alabama for the project because of the strength of the state's economy. He said the company will manufacture environmentally friendly vehicles that will use a hybrid engine. The engine will use natural gas, electricity and gasoline.
"Our cutting-edge multi-fuel hybrid powertrain system delivers excellent performance while reducing CO2 emissions to exceed Euro-2012 and future EPA guidelines," said Chairman Yeung.
Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Honda currently have vehicle assembly plants in Alabama.
"It didn't take long for Alabama to become a leader in the automotive industry. Now as America and the world begin making a historic transition to a green economy, we look to make Alabama a leader in the production of next-generation, clean-tech automobiles," said Governor Riley. "Our Alabama team, in cooperation with local officials in Baldwin County, has been working with HK Motors for several months on this project. We will continue to work with them as the company puts the financing in place to move forward."
