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Hyundai Confirms Hybrid Production

Hyundai has just announced that it will be seriously committing to hybrids. For

The domestic-market Elantra will be the first hybrid Hyundai. (Photo: Hyundai)

years, Hyundai has been testing hybrid vehicles in association with the Korean government, supplying thousands of prototype compact-sized Accent Sedans and Getz models, similar to how Mitsubishi, Subaru and Ford supply electric vehicles to various corporations for testing.

Having analyzed the results, Hyundai has confirmed that the brand is ready to produce and sell greener versions of its Avante (Elantra Sedan) and Sonata Transform (Sonata) with hybrid drivetrains. Hyundai will market the Avante Hybrid as a propane-powered vehicle, a fuel selected for its lower CO2 emissions, whereas the Sonata will run on standard gasoline. The first Avante Hybrids will go on sale during 2009, with hybrid Sonatas arriving a year later. There's no word on whether the hybrid system will be a mild hybrid simply assisting the internal combustion engine or a full hybrid capable of powering

Hybrid Elantra will also be LPG-powered. (Photo: Hyundai)

the vehicle via the electric motor alone.

Kia won't be left out in the dark either, when it comes to hybrids. Kia's first hybrid will be on its full-size Mojave (Borrego) three-row SUV, which will without doubt help to provide a better brand image and reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption figures. Kia will also be following up with a hybrid version of its Lotze midsize sedan (Optima), as it's a near mechanical twin to the Sonata.

For now, Hyundai only has plans to sell hybrid versions of its cars in its home market, but we don't see why the technology wouldn't spread to its North American-bound vehicles. With rising fuel prices and increased pressure on automakers to go green, it would be a smart move on Hyundai's part.

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