For Hyundai customers, reliability and dependability are paramount. This is why we have never rushed to embrace new technology purely for its own sake. We prefer to wait until the benefits of new technology are fully proven. Despite this caution, Hyundai is still committed to supplying its customers with the very best in proven technology.

From its wide-ranging R & D activities, Hyundai is investing in three major development fields. First, alternative fuel engines. Second, eco-friendly diesel technology and third, stability technology.

Hybrid alternative fuel engines

Global carmakers are working hard to develop alternative-fuel cars to replace conventional petrol-driven vehicles. Among these new cars, the hybrids are the most reasonable option at this time.

Hybrids use a combination of petrol and electricity to power the vehicle. Battery power is used at low speeds and a traditional petrol-driven combustion engine is used at higher speeds. As a result, hybrids can be up to 50 percent more fuel efficient than normal petrol-driven cars.

This new breed of hybrid is seen as filling the gap between petrol-driven vehicles and the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which are still currently in mid-development.

The latter, widely seen as an ideal solution, generate electricity by burning hydrogen with water vapour as the only by-product. However, fuel cell cars are not expected to become commercially available until around 2010.

Until then the hybrid offers an exciting alternative. Following current trials, Hyundai plans to offer the hybrid engine on the new generation of compacts by 2007. Optional hybrid versions could also be offered on other models.

Pioneering eco-friendly diesel technology

A pivotal task of Hyundai’s European R&D and Design Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany is to advance diesel technology.

At the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Hyundai presented the concept of a 1.1-liter CRDi ULEV turbo diesel for its best-selling European supermini. This featured an Idle Stop & Go system.

As the vehicle stops at a red light or in a traffic jam the engine is switched off, reducing fuel consumption and pollution emissions to zero. However, as soon as the driver engages gear, the engine is restarted silently and automatically.

The new starter-alternator on this new generation diesel engine helps reduce urban noise and air pollution. It also improves driving comfort and reduces fuel consumption, making the whole driving experience more peaceful, economical, and environmentally friendly.

Electronic Stability Programs

Hyundai is developing and retaining proprietary technology in a number of key areas, most notably auto electronics/telematics and braking systems. The 2005 Hyundai Coupé and Tuscon, for example, will feature Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that will be made available on all Hyundai models in the future.

ESP monitors a vehicle’s response to driver steering and braking inputs to detect understeer or oversteer. Sensors detect when the vehicle is about to skid or slide and ESP then applies individual brake pressure to the relevant front or rear wheels. ESP can also reduce engine power to help the driver maintain control in a critical situation.

All these exciting technology programs highlight Hyundai’s commitment to the practical application of proven advances in technology. These focus primarily and most importantly on the environment and vehicle safety.