Hyundai Extends Electric Vehicle Testing Program Through 2005

- Hyundai Continues Real-World Test of Electric Vehicles in Honolulu, Hawaii To Refine Fast-Charging Technology -

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 30 -- Hyundai Motor Company and the state of Hawaii announced a two-year extension of the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program (HEVDP). The program began in July 2001 as a partnership between Hyundai, the State of Hawaii, City of Honolulu, the U.S. Air Force and Torrance, Calif.-based Enova Systems, which provides the electric drive system to power the vehicles. The second phase of the partnership will be dedicated to further testing and development of fast-charging capability.

"The success of Hyundai's first two-year test program is encouraging and, as a result, we will continue evaluating electric vehicles in fleet applications," said Dr. Moon Sik Kwon, executive vice president of research and development, Hyundai Motor Company.

Phase one of the two-year program, which will conclude in July, proved the viability of electric vehicles in fleet applications. Fifteen electric-powered Hyundai Santa Fe SUV prototypes were distributed to the city and county of Honolulu, the Hawaiian Electric Company, Hickam Air Force Base and the State, for use in fleet applications. During the first twenty-four months of operation, the vehicles covered a combined 145,000 miles in hot weather conditions and proved to be reliable and highly efficient, with recorded range between 70 and 90 miles.

Phase two of the HEVDP will focus on three electric-powered Santa Fe SUVs with the emphasis placed on refining fast charge capability during the second two-year period. Participation in the HEVDP is part of Hyundai's ongoing research to develop alternative energy vehicles that are environmentally friendly and commercially viable.

Established in 1969, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Automotive Group, which includes Kia Motors Corp. and over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing nearly 50,000 people worldwide, Hyundai Motor posted US$21.94 billion in sales in 2002. Hyundai motor vehicles are sold in 166 countries through 4,504 dealerships and showrooms. Further information about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available on the Internet at http://www.hyundai-motor.com/ .