While hybrids have been around for years, Hyundai is predicting large increases in demand for the green vehicles as consumers turn to fuel-efficient cars. Currently, Hyundai provides Verna (Accent) hybrid models to government agencies as pilot projects.
Hyundai faces stiff competition in a market already dominated by Toyota's Prius, but by mass-producing hybrids the scales of economies may allow the Korean carmaker to significantly undercut its competitors. This would give it a sizeable advantage, although pricing for the Avante is still uncertain at the moment.
The fuel-cell vehicle, meanwhile, will be a couple of years late to the market, considering Mercedes' goal of 2010 and Honda’s already-launched FCX Clarity. However a low cost fuel-cell may shake things up a bit in the alternative fuel vehicles market. Pictured above is Hyundai’s i-Blue crossover concept, a fuel-cell model the carmaker has now confirmed will enter production.