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Hyundai's Eco-Initiatives Move into High Gear at 2009 IAA


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MACQUARIE PARK, AUSTRALIA – September 4, 2009: Blue Drive, Hyundai Motor Company's eco-initiative, will move into high gear at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt. The company has created a special Blue Drive Zone where it will exhibit a wide array of its new eco-friendly technologies and products demonstrating its commitment to lowering emissions and improving the fuel economy of its vehicles.

Centre stage is reserved for the world debut of the ix-Metro, a daring new Hybrid Electric CUV for the European sub-B segment which promises CO2 emissions of just 80g/km. The fifth in a series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Namyang Korea, the ix-Metro is powered by an inline three-cylinder petrol engine displacing just one-litre. Direct injection, dual CVVT, turbocharging are all combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission to make for a highly potent compact package.

The other world debut Hyundai will be making at Frankfurt is the i10 Electric, a zero emissions urban commuter vehicle which will see limited series production 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. Powered by a 49 kW motor and a 16 kWh battery, the i10 Electric promises a driving range of 160 km and top speed of 130 km/h. It features x-by-wire systems for steering, air conditioning, water pump and brake vacuum pump*.


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Europeans will also get their first chance to see two other important Blue Drive vehicles, which made their world debut earlier this year at the Seoul Motor Show. The Frankfurt Blue Drive Zone will include the Elantra LPI Hybrid which emits just 94 g/km of CO2 (European combined mode) and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle. The Elantra LPI HEV is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by liquid petroleum gas and the first production car to be powered by advanced lithium ion polymer batteries (LiPoly).

Hyundai is also using the occasion of The Frankfurt show for the European unveiling of its ix35, the European version of the all-new Tucson replacement which made its debut in the Korean market earlier this month. Designed in Europe, the ix35 is the first production vehicle expressing Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design language. It is fitted with the all-new R 2.0 diesel and six-speed automatic transmission.

Also on display will be the 2010 Santa Fe which will provide fresh momentum to the medium SUV segment. It is fitted with a 2.2 version of the all-new R diesel and comes with the option of the new six-speed automatic.

A new Blue edition of Hyundai's highly popular i30, designed in Germany and built in the Czech Republic, will debut in Frankfurt. It features fuel-saving stop-and-go emissions reduction technology. The i30 1.6 CRDi with ISG generates just 113 g/km of CO2.