Hyundai To Produce Diesel Hybrid Car in 2011

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group plans to add a diesel hybrid to its liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline hybrid offerings.

The nation’s largest carmaker said that it would commercialize a hybrid edition for one of its diesel models, at a forum on clean diesel held at the National Assembly, Monday. “Commercialization will be established around 2011,” said Kim Hae-jin, Hyundai-Kia’s managing director.

When it comes to green cars, the carmaker said its focus would be on diesel hybrids rather than electric vehicles in the short term. “Electric cars will be produced in 2011 as well, but it will take five or six more years to churn them out. So the company will concentrate more on diesel hybrid models,” Kim said.

Hyundai has released hybrid editions of the Avante and Forte sedans, and plans a hybrid version of its Sonata gasoline sedan.

Source: Korean Times