Along with China,  the leadership of Korean automaker Hyundai, and its affiliated Kia brand, are contemplating the possibility of establishing Mexican manufacturing operations. A new site in China would be the company’s fourth, while a facility built in Mexico would represent the company’s first production foray into the country.

Talk of a potential Mexican manufacturing operations for seventh ranked automotive brand in the world has been heard for the past two years. Now, however, it appears that both Hyundai and Kia are conducting feasibility studies to determine if the building of a Mexican plant is the right strategic move for the company to make, as well as to determine where the best Mexican location would be to set up an assembly facility. Although Hyundai and Kia plants in Alabama and Georgia are running at full capacity and manning extra shifts, respectively, it appears that Mexican manufacturing operations are in the company’s future as a means to supply growing demands for its vehicles. Hyundai and Kia have developed a reputation for producing reliable, quality passenger cars and SUVs in recent years.

In addition to manufacturing, Hyundai has also recently moved to establish Mexican sales operations. In May, Mexico City will become home to Hyundai Motor Mexico. The company aims to establish a dealer network that will concentrate on selling its products in the three major Mexican cities: the Federal District, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Hyundai, thus far, has provided no information as to what the size of its Mexican dealership network will be, or on the which of its vehicles it plans to offer to consumers in Mexico through its sales arm.

Read the primary source for this post at AL.com.