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- Fleet World award recognises Hyundai’s commitment to bringing the reality of hydrogen-powered vehicles a step closer with production of the ix35 Fuel Cell
- Hyundai is the first manufacturer to begin assembly-line production of zero-emission fuel cell vehicles with plans to manufacture 1,000 units by 2015
High Wycombe, U.K., May 21, 2013 – Hyundai received the Technology Award for the ix35 Fuel Cell at this year’s Fleet World Honours which took place this afternoon at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in London.
The award, which was shared with the Renault Zoe, is recognition of Hyundai’s commitment to bringing the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle to series production ahead of 2015.
Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: “For many years now, the commercialisation of hydrogen cars has seemed to be a long way in the future. But Hyundai’s commitment to the production of the ix35 Fuel Cell has brought the reality a step closer. This bold and exciting move deserves recognition for the commitment the company is making to zero emission motoring.”
Martin Wilson, fleet director, Hyundai Motor UK says: “Hyundai is honoured to have been recognised by the Fleet World judges with this award. The Company is committed to being a leader in sustainable mobility and we’re not just talking about the future – we are shaping it with the production of the ix35 Fuel Cell.”
Hyundai plans to manufacture 1,000 units of the hydrogen-powered ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles by 2015, targeted predominantly at public sector and private fleets, with limited mass production of 10,000 units beyond 2015.
Hyundai has also recently joined the London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP) where it will provide its expertise to help to drive development of the infrastructure needed to realize a hydrogen economy.
Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell represents one of the most advanced vehicles of this type. It is equipped with a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Two hydrogen storage tanks, with a total capacity of 5.64 kg, enable the vehicle to travel a total of 594 km on a single fill, and it can reliably start in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.
The energy is stored in a 24 kW lithium-ion battery, jointly developed with LG Chemical.
The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.
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About Hyundai Motor
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group, with more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor - which has seven manufacturing bases outside of South Korea including Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, India, Russia, Turkey and the U.S. - sold 4.4 million vehicles globally in 2012. Hyundai Motor, which employs over 80,000 workers worldwide, offers a full line-up of products including small to large passenger vehicles, SUVs and commercial vehicles.
Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at www.hyundai.com
About Hyundai Motor Europe
The company designs, engineers and manufactures cars in Europe, specifically for European consumers. In 2012, Hyundai achieved European sales of 444,000 units, taking a new-car market share of 3.5%. Almost 95% of the vehicles Hyundai sells in the region are designed, engineered and tested in Europe. And more than 70% are built at its two local factories (Czech Republic and Turkey), including New Generation i30, which was shortlisted for Europe’s 2013 Car of the Year award and has won 14 awards throughout the region. Hyundai sells cars in 28 European countries across 2,500 outlets.
About Hyundai Motor UK
Hyundai is the first Korean car manufacturer to make it in to the top ten best-selling manufacturers in the UK, an 11 place improvement since 2008. All passenger cars come with Hyundai’s industry-leading 5 Year Triple Care package. Further information about Hyundai and its products is available at www.hyundai.co.uk
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