Kia shows off new hybrid

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp., the nation’s two biggest automobile manufacturers, opened yesterday a research center to focus on environmentally-friendly technologies. To mark the occasion, Hyundai-Kia Motors unveiled a new hybrid version of the Pride, Kia’s signature compact car. “We will enter the mass production phase late next year, and cover both domestic and international markets,” said Kwon Moon-sik, vice president of Hyundai Motor. The firm aims to have an annual production of 150,000 units by 2009, he said. Hybrid cars are fueled both by electricity and gasoline, emitting up to 30 percent less exhaust fumes than regular cars and boasting about 30 percent better fuel efficiency. Marketing the hybrid model of the Pride would make Hyundai-Kia the third car manufacturer in the world to mass produce hybrid vehicles; Toyota Motor Corp. led the way in 1997 with the Prius, followed by Honda Motor Co.’s Insight in 1999. The Pride was introduced at the newly completed Hyundai-Kia Eco-Technology Research Institute in Yongin, Gyeonggi province. The research center covers 30,450 square meters (7.5 acres) of land, with a total floor space of 14,215 square meters and features more than 400 facilities to test various car parts for their environmental friendliness. The hybrid version of the Pride will have a 1,400 cubic centimeter (cc) gasoline engine along with a 12-kilowatt motor, which will kick in when more power is needed. The five-speed automatic transmission model will be 40 percent more fuel efficient compared to the 1,400cc-gasoline Pride. A Hyundai official said the company estimates the price for the Pride hybrid model to be more expensive than that of a gasoline model, running around 20 million won ($19,500). “But we can negotiate with the government to provide subsidies for hybrid car buyers, like they do in Japan,” the official said. Also showcased yesterday was a hydrogen-powered Santa Fe fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle can run for 165 kilometers (102.5 miles) on one tank of gas, and will be on sale by 2010. by Kim Tae-jin, Yoo Jee-ho