Hyundai Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Tucson SUV at New York International Auto Show

Display Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle Makes North American Debut

NEW YORK, April 7 -- Hyundai Motor Co.'s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) program took a major step forward today with the North American announcement of its second-generation fuel cell vehicle -- the Tucson FCEV. A replica Tucson FCEV display vehicle, which made its world debut at the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, will be shown at the New York International Auto Show.

Code-named FJM by its developers, the Tucson FCEV will have an extended driving range plus cold weather starting capability. It will incorporate numerous technical advances including a higher output fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer battery.

"Migrating our fuel cell program to a smaller, more compact platform poses numerous challenges but we're confident we can meet them all," said Kim Sang- Kwon, president of research and development for Hyundai·Kia Motors.

Built with lightweight, performance-boosting aluminum body components, the Tucson FCEV has a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of a conventional SUV. It also features low noise levels plus a roomy cabin that offers the same level of comfort and convenience as its gasoline-powered sibling.

"Entering this new phase of our program is really quite exciting because we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes for fleet testing applications. It also brings us one step closer to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles," added President Kim.

Unlike the Santa Fe FCEV, the Tucson Fuel Cell program has been running on a parallel path with the conventional Tucson providing fully digitized engineering data from the earliest stages. "The capability to conduct simultaneous engineering on our production and fuel cell electric vehicles is a big step forward," said President Kim. With this, Hyundai will be able to significantly improve efficiency and quality control in the FJM manufacturing process.

The Tucson FCEV's power plant has been relocated under the front hood, unlike its predecessor, which featured an under-floor installation. In addition, the Tucson FCEV will be capable of starting and operating in sub- zero temperatures.

Tucson FCEV's driving range has also been extended to 300km (186 miles) thanks to its 152-liter hydrogen storage tanks developed by Dynetek Industries Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. By contrast, the Santa Fe FCEV lacks cold weather start capability and equipped with a 72-liter fuel tank.

Marginally lighter than its predecessor, the Tucson FCEV also gets five more kW of power for a peak output of 80kW. Its maximum speed is rated at 150km/h (93 mph) compared to the Santa Fe's 124km/h (77 mph).

As in the Santa Fe FCEV, Hyundai will once again be partnering with UTC Fuel Cells of Hartford, Connecticut, which will supply the hydrogen-powered fuel cell. Enova Systems, of Torrance, Calif., has been tapped to provide the next generation hybrid-electric drive-train, motor and control unit. The Hyundai Tucson FCEV 152-V high voltage battery was co-developed by Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Chem in Seoul, Korea.

Hyundai formed its first fuel cell task force team in 2000 and by October of the same year, it unveiled the Santa Fe FCEV, its first prototype fuel cell vehicle.

Established in 1967, 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 Co. posted US$21.94 billion in sales in 2002. Hyundai 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/