The first of Kia’s new Telluride vehicles were loaded for export onto the Roll-on/Roll-off vessel Sirius today at the Port of Brunswick. The 8-person SUVs are destined for ports around the Arabian Peninsula.
Georgia Ports Authority Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood said the GPA is playing an expanded role for KMMG, handling both imported components and now the export of finished vehicles.
The Port of Savannah hosts 35 weekly container ship calls, while nine ocean carriers call on Colonel’s Island at the Port of Brunswick.
The automaker plans to export approximately 3,000 Tellurides per year.
The Telluride is Kia’s largest and most technologically advanced vehicle to date. Initially designed with the U.S. market in mind at Kia’s design studio in California, the Telluride travels down the same manufacturing line as the award-winning Sorento, the highest-ranked Midsize SUV in the most recent J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.
Powered by a 291-hp 3.8-liter V6, with available active on-demand all-wheel drive, the Telluride is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
As Telluride shipments reach the Port of Brunswick, International Auto Processing will inspect the vehicles, wash and apply wrap guard, install tow hooks and adjust tire pressure, among other services. Ocean carrier Glovis will move the vessels overseas.