Hyundai Motor Company showcased a wide range of new eco-friendly Blue Drive^TM products and technologies at the Seoul Motor Show, which was held April,3 – April, 12.

The displays expand on the Blue Drive^TM initiative, first announced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, which seeks to offer environmentally-aware customers with an eco-friendly choice when it comes to purchasing their next Hyundai car. More than just a sub-brand, Blue Drive^TM is an all-encompassing banner which defines Hyundai’s product development strategy. As the company strives to minimize the environmental impact of its vehicles, a broad range of new technologies will be introduced on current and future Hyundai models with the aim of achieving a harmonious balance between cars and the environment.

Leading the lineup of alternative propulsions systems is Blue-Will, a con­ceptual interpretation of Hyundai's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle which promises a fuel economy rating of up to 106mpg complemented by an array of innovative technologies.

Closer to commercialization is the Elantra Hybrid Electric Vehicle, the world's first Liquid Petroleum-powered HEV. The use of advanced Lithium Ion Polymer batteries to power the car will also be another first for hybrid technology. The Elantra LPI HEV goes on sale in Korea in July this year.

Also on display is the second generation hydrogen fuel cell electric city bus. Emitting zero emissions and powered by hydrogen, it promises to revolutionize urban transportation. The next major step forward for the fuel cell bus program will come in late 2010 when a fleet of these second generation buses will be put into daily service in cities around Korea in line with the government's recently declared "green growth" goals.

"The Blue Drive^TM vehicles and technologies will challenge any assumptions that our technology is half a step behind. The products and technologies we unveil to the world today offer a strong message of reassurance to our customers and stakeholders that we are moving with "Hyundai speed" to achieve our goal of environmental leadership in our industry and redefining the Hyundai brand as a technological innovator," said Dr. Lee Hyun-Soon, Vice Chairman and Chief Tech­nology Officer of the Hyundai Corporate Research and Development Division.