Hyundai to present spectacular Blue DriveTM
eco-collection at Frankfurt Motor Show

• Five-strong range showcases Hyundai’s Blue DriveTM program, including three debutants
• Hyundai demonstrates engineering know-how, and aims for “eco-leadership”
• Two further world premieres for Hyundai, with new-look SUV line-up

Offenbach, September 4th 2009

Hyundai will bring together its five newest eco-focused models at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, highlighting the rapid progress engineers are making as the company targets leadership in ‘clean’ automotive technology. All five vehicles are products of Hyundai’s Blue DriveTM initiative and three of these will be making their public debuts. The collection comprises three production models – i30 Blue diesel, i10 EV and Elantra LPI Hybrid – and two futuristic concept cars – ix-Metro and Blue Will.

To be unveiled for the first time, ix-Metro combines spacecraft-inspired styling with an ultra-clean hybrid powertrain. A 125HP, one-liter petrol engine and 15KW electric motor power this compact SUV, generating just 80g/km of CO2. Its concept cousin Blue Will makes its European debut at the Show, and showcases another hybrid powertrain, using a 1,6-liter petrol engine and 100KW electric motor. Emissions and fuel consumption are minimized, thanks to Blue Will’s low weight, and supplementary power comes from the roof-mounted solar cells.

Hybrid technology becomes a production reality in the Elantra LPI Hybrid – another European premiere. Following its successful launch in Korea this summer, evaluation is under way to determine whether this car will be marketed in Europe. It boasts two world firsts: it is the first hybrid to run an LPG engine and the first production hybrid to use super-efficient Lithium Ion Polymer batteries.

By applying stop-start technology to petrol-powered i30s, Hyundai reduced emissions and fuel consumption by seven per cent. Now the same stop-start system has been fitted to i30 Blue diesel, bringing CO2 emissions down to an impressive level: 113g/km for the 90HP model and 117g/km for the 115HP version. Competitive with the very best in its class, i30 Blue diesel will be shown for the first time in Frankfurt.

Further evidence of Hyundai’s expertise in the field of alternative propulsion is the new i10 EV – the brand’s first all-electric production model. With a range of 160km, i10 EV is a highly competent vehicle offering practicality and low running costs as well as ‘zero emissions’. Limited production of i10 EV will begin in 2010, starting with the Korean market. It will be sold to government ministries, state corporations and utilities in the first stage. The retail sales date is not decided.

“Our Blue DriveTM models minimize environmental impact while retaining essential characteristics of all Hyundai cars: quality and innovation,” said Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe. “Production models such as i10 EV and Elantra LPI Hybrid demonstrate that the Blue DriveTM initiative is about more than just words – we are offering practical, realistic, innovative solutions. And there will be more to come from Hyundai, including new hybrid applications and production-ready fuel cell cars.

“In the six months since Blue DriveTM was launched, we have taken considerable steps towards the number-one position for eco-leadership. Our future plans will strengthen our claim for that title.”

SUV range enhanced
As well as the Blue DriveTM showcase, Hyundai will also premiere the all-new ix35 SUV, which replaces the popular Tucson, and the re-engineered Santa Fe. Both models boast class-leading environmental credentials, thanks to heavily-revised powertrain technology. Innovations include a new turbocharged 1,6-liter petrol engine for ix35, generating 140HP and emitting just 149g/km of CO2. Santa Fe, meanwhile, benefits from the reduced weight and increased efficiency of Hyundai’s own six-speed automatic transmission, which not only improves driving pleasure but also enhances Santa Fe’s eco-rating.

These new arrivals are available with the company’s new diesel engine, codenamed ‘R’. In either 2,0-liter or 2,2-liter guise, ‘R’ gives Hyundai SUVs a competitive edge over rivals.

More details on all of these models will be available on the Hyundai stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The company’s press conference will take place in Hall 6 at 14:00 on Tuesday 15th September.