China’s SF Motors To Complete Its $160 Million U.S. Plant In Indiana By 2020

Chinese-owned SF Motors will have its $160 million manufacturing plant in northern Indiana running at full steam by the end of 2020. The revamped factory will be used for North American EV production according to state officials.

Silicon Valley-based SF Motors, which was established by the Chinese Chongqing Sokon Industry Group, will open at least two manufacturing lines in the new plant in order to build the production versions of the SF5 and SF7 electric SUVs. AutoNews reports that trial production of the SF5 will begin by the end of the year.

The new factory is in Mishawaka, Indiana and it’s the former AM General site that used to produce Hummers and Mercedes R-Class models. SF Motors says the facilities have an annual assembly capacity of 50,000 cars.

“Indiana’s reputation as a destination for business continues to be heard across the U.S. and around the world, attracting companies like SF Motors,” Gov. Holcomb said. “With a world of options, we’re thrilled SF Motors chose to expand in Indiana. We look forward to witnessing their continued success in Indiana as they develop 21st-century solutions with the help of our talented Hoosier workforce.”

SF Motors says that up to 467 jobs are expected to be created by 2020. “With this investment and renovation, we are well poised to bring our cutting-edge vehicles to the highway by 2019 and closer to carrying out our global mission – to transform human mobility through intelligent electric vehicles,” said John Zhang, Founder and CEO of SF Motors.

SF Motors revealed its SF5 and SF7 electric SUVs two months ago, promising to offer a wide range of power options that reach up to 1,000hp, making them capable of pulling 0-60mph in under three seconds and offering a range of over 300 miles (EPA) or 500km (NEDC).