CNBNews

By Linda Loyd

Inquirer Staff Writer

A deal is done for Hyundai and Kia auto manufacturers to bring a large vehicle-import business to Philadelphia's waterfront, starting with up to 150,000 cars a year. The auto-finishing facility for Hyundai and Kia vehicles is expected to create at least 270 full-time jobs. The operation will start in June on about 90 acres owned by the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority near the Walt Whitman Bridge. Gov. Rendell is to announce the deal at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Inquirer reported in February that it was in the works. "This will be over 102 vessels a year," said Boise Butler, president of International Longshoremen's Association Local 1291, whose longshoremen will off-load the cars from ships at Packer Avenue Marine Terminal in South Philadelphia. "It's exciting news."