Hyundai Debuts Santa Fe FCHEV in 2003 Challenge Bibendum(TM)

Fuel Cell/Electric Hybrid SUV Joins Veteran Santa Fe Fuel Cell Vehicle to Lead Hyundai's Charge in Michelin Environmental Event

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 8 -- Showcasing the latest advancements in alternative fuel technology, Hyundai Motor Company will debut its Santa Fe Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FCHEV) at this year's Challenge Bibendum(TM). The Santa Fe FCHEV, which recaptures lost energy when braking to provide greater fuel efficiency, will join the proven Santa Fe Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in competing against other alternative energy vehicles Sept. 22-25 in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif.

Both Hyundai prototypes are powered by compressed hydrogen gas, which combines with oxygen in the vehicles fuel cell stack to produce electricity that powers the car. The only emission is water vapor from the tailpipe. The Santa Fe FCHEV offers greater efficiency by storing energy typically lost during the braking process in an onboard battery. When the vehicle needs additional power, such as during acceleration, reserved battery power is tapped. The result is that the Santa Fe FCHEV performs more like a standard internal combustion engine vehicle than any other fuel cell vehicle Hyundai has developed.

"Challenge Bibendum offers Hyundai the opportunity to showcase advanced, environmentally friendly vehicles to an International audience and we look forward to participating again this year," said Dr. Won-Suk Cho, President, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., which is responsible for alternative fuel research in the United States. "The true challenge for Hyundai will be improving on the strong benchmarks we set in 2001 and demonstrating the steps we've taken towards commercializing fuel cell technology in the past two years."

In the 2001 Challenge Bibendum, the Santa Fe FCEV earned gold medals in both the emissions and noise tests, and received silver medals for its performance in the slalom and fuel efficiency tests. The Santa Fe FCEV's solid performance in 2001 proved that Hyundai's fuel cell technology was ready for real-world applications and Hyundai recently announced the beginning of its fuel cell fleet testing program, scheduled to begin in late 2004.

  The Hyundai Team for the 2003 Challenge Bibendum includes:

  2001 Hyundai Santa Fe FCEV:  prototype SUV with gaseous hydrogen powered
   fuel cell.

  2002 Hyundai Santa Fe FCHEV: prototype SUV with gaseous hydrogen powered
   fuel cell; combines battery power with fuel cell-generated power for
   maximum efficiency and performance.

The hydrogen fuel cell system that powers each Hyundai vehicles' motor was developed by UTC Fuel Cells of South Windsor, Conn., part of the UTC Power unit of United Technologies Corp. Enova Systems of Torrance, Calif., which supplies the electric drivetrain, motor and control unit. The onboard hydrogen storage tank was developed by Quantum Technologies.

"Hydrogen fuel is one of the important new energy sources being developed for sustainable mobility vehicles," said Ron Musgnug, project manager for the 2003 Challenge Bibendum. "We are proud to have this advanced technology and the Hyundai team again this year."

About Hyundai Motor Company

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/.

About Hyundai America Technical Center

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. It is responsible for the technical development of automobiles in North America, including governmental certification issues. Its headquarters are located in Ann Arbor, Mich., with two branch offices in the Los Angeles area.

Challenge Bibendum(TM), considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, was established by the Michelin Group as an objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for environmentally-positive vehicles. The annual event features vehicles from major manufacturers on three continents and brings together all partners in the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical leaders, policy makers, universities and government organizations.

The 2003 Challenge Bibendum will be held in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 23-25. More than 100 passenger and commercial vehicles are expected to participate. In addition to Hyundai, other automakers participating in the event include: American Honda, Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Isuzu Truck, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo and Volvo Truck.

A true competition, Challenge Bibendum is one of the few events to compare different advanced technologies head-to-head. The event is open to all energy sources from electric cars to hybrid fuel cells to hydrogen-powered buses. Advanced technology vehicles are rated on emissions, acceleration, braking, handling, noise and energy efficiency during the annual competition.

Complete information is available at www.challengebibendum.com.