Hyundai Hopes for a Hybrid Hit

  Earlier this week, the chairman of Hyundai International announced the company's plans to begin mass production of hybrid vehicles. Hyundai, a South Korean company, already provides some hybrid vehicles for government use.  Starting next year, Hyundai will manufacture the Avante (Elantra here) LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) hybrid, a car that uses both Liquefied Petroleum Gas and electricity. In 2010, Hyundai also plans to introduce mid-sized hybrids that use gasoline and LPG. Hyundai-Kia Chairman Chung Mong Koo said,

"The importance of developing futuristic, environmentally-friendly cars is increasing for sustainable growth.  Therefore, technology for advanced cars, like the hybrid, is imperative. We also plan to produce a small fleet of fuel cell electric vehicles from 2012."

We say, with all the success Hyundai has had with new models, it's promising that they are finally throwing their hat in the hybrid ring.  We'll keep you posted on the newest developments.