South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor's battery plant under construction in Georgia will be delayed by at least two months, but vehicle production remains unaffected.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation last week raided a Hyundai electric vehicle battery plant under construction in Georgia, detaining 475 people and halting site work.
The ICE operation will lead to a minimum of two to three months' delay, Hyundai chief executive Jose Munoz told reporters in Detroit, Michigan, during an interview on 11 September.
The automaker confirmed to Argus in an email Munoz's remarks at the Detroit event, adding there is "no impact on US vehicle manufacturing operations."
The South Korean government repatriated over 300 South Korean nationals on 11 September through a chartered flight.
US president Donald Trump, reacting to the raid, said on 8 September that the US lacks battery expertise and should allow experts in to train locals for complex work like battery or chip production.
"The way you train people is bring people in and let them stay for a little while and help," Trump said.
