Hyundai hasn't yet put a hybrid car on the market, but the company sure is throwing around some big numbers for its hybrid program. Let’s start with 38 miles to the gallon. According to Hyundai, that’s the mileage expected from the hybrid version of the Santa Fe small SUV, on display this week at the Paris Motor Show.The company claims that the concept hybrid SUV will reach 38 mpg by virtue of its 2.4-liter gas engine, 40-horsepower electric motor and 270-volt lithium battery pack. The unveiling of the Santa Fe “Blue” Hybrid—no word on actual production—gives further evidence to Hyundai’s intentions to get serious about hybrids and other fuel efficient vehicle strategies.
Hyundai is using the term “blue” to designate an emphasis on aerodynamics, efficiency, and low weight. The “blue” strategy is employed in the Hyundai i20 concept minicar — also on display in Paris — which could break 60MPG, according to the company. The i20 combines a diesel engine and micro-hybrid “stop-start” technology to greatly reduce burning petroleum when the vehicle comes to a stop.
Perhaps the biggest number recently offered up by Hyundai is 500,000. That’s its target for annual hybrid sales by 2018, according to Brandon Yea, senior vice president for marketing. To reach that goal, Hyundai will need to move very fast. The company’s first gas-electric vehicle, the mid-size Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, doesn’t goes on sale until 2010.
