EU Officials To Drive Fuel-Cell Hyundai ix35
- Parliament members, policymakers will test ix35 until March 2012
- Operating more than 30 FCEVs in 2012; commercialisation targeted by 2015
Offenbach, 4th October 2011
The Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has been selected by the European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) to be used as a demonstration vehicle to test and promote hydrogen fuel cell technology in a real-world environment.
As part of the announcement made today at the FCH JU-organised “Joint Technology Initiatives: Innovation in Action” exhibition in Brussels, the ix35 FCEV will be made available for Members of European Parliament, Commissioners, EU officials and other policymakers to test drive until March 2012.
The decision moves Hyundai a step closer to the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles by 2015. Debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, the ix35 features important innovations over previous-generation Hyundai FCEVs, including a 55 percent improvement in driving range and an 80 percent reduction in manufacturing costs.
Hyundai has become a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology since the introduction of the Santa Fe FCEV in 2000, operating a dedicated fuel cell research division at its Eco Technology Research Institute inKorea.
Earlier this year, Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with themunicipalityofCopenhagento establish the necessary infrastructure for the supply and use of FCEVs inDenmark.
Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP, Member of the Industry Committee and representative of the FCH-JU, said: “Fuel cell vehicles, such as the ix35 FCEV, have great potential to help fight carbon dioxide emissions, reduce our dependence on hydrocarbons and contribute to economic growth. I am sure my fellow members of the European Parliament will embrace the opportunity to test the viability of hydrogen technology.”
Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motor Europe, added: ‘We are delighted that the Hyundai ix35 FCEV has been chosen by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking as its European demonstration vehicle. We fully support efforts by the FCH JU to promote the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology to leading policymakers and opinion-formers. The announcement today complements the work we have already undertaken with other government bodies around Europe, and by 2012 we hope to operate more than 30 Hyundai ix35 FCEVs across the continent.”
The ix35 FCEV is based on the award-winning compact SUV, ix35. The ix35 was designed and engineered inEuropefor European motorists.
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About Hyundai Motor Company
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group which has ranked as the world’s fifth-largest automaker since 2007 and includes more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor, which has six manufacturing bases outside of South Korea, sold approximately 3.6 million vehicles globally in 2010. Hyundai vehicles are sold in 186 countries through some 5,300 dealerships and showrooms.
About Hyundai Motor Europe
In 2010, Hyundai achieved record sales in Europe of 362.000 units, taking a best-ever 2,6% market share. In May 2011, Hyundai achieved a landmark, passing 5.000.000 sales in Europe since imports began in 1977. The company designs, engineers and manufactures cars in Europe, specifically for European customers. This includes the i30, which performed as Hyundai’s top-selling model in 2010, with 120.000 units sold. Hyundai sells cars in 28 European countries across 2.500 outlets.
Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at www.hyundai.com.
For further information contact:
Stefan Ph. Henrich
Phone: +49-69-271472-401
Fax : +49-69-271472-229
sphenrich@hyundai-europe.com
About Hyundai Motor Company
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group which has ranked as the world’s fifth-largest automaker since 2007 and includes more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor, which has six manufacturing bases outside ofSouth Korea, sold approximately 3.6 million vehicles globally in 2010. Hyundai vehicles are sold in 186 countries through some 5,300 dealerships and showrooms.
About Hyundai Motor Europe
In 2010, Hyundai achieved record sales inEuropeof 362.000 units, taking a best-ever 2,6% market share. In May 2011, Hyundai achieved a landmark, passing 5.000.000 sales inEuropesince imports began in 1977. The company designs, engineers and manufactures cars inEurope, specifically for European customers. This includes the i30, which performed as Hyundai’s top-selling model in 2010, with 120.000 units sold. Hyundai sells cars in 28 European countries across 2.500 outlets.
Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at www.hyundai.com.
