32 Fuel Cell Vehicles in Fleet Test Programs Around the Country for 2008

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 18, 2008 – 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. Today, Hyundai utilizes its second-generation fuel cell vehicles based on the Tucson and KIA Sportage SUV’s.

By third quarter 2008, Hyundai will have 32 FCEV’s in fleet testing programs around the country. The following five fleet operators currently utilize Hyundai FCEV’s:

The fleet testing phase of Hyundai’s fuel cell research and development program began in 2005 with the Tucson and is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A team consisting of Chevron, Hyundai Motor Co. and UTC Power was awarded federal funds to lead a five-year demonstration and validation project designed to showcase practical applications of hydrogen energy technology. The primary goal of this multi-year project is to develop and demonstrate safe, convenient and reliable hydrogen-based distributed power generation, fuel cell vehicles and vehicle fueling infrastructure, and to educate key audiences about the use of hydrogen as a potential fuel for transportation and power generation.

Hyundai has been an active member in the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) in Sacramento, Calif. for seven years. Hyundai fuel cell vehicles have participated in numerous CaFCP Road Rallies and Michelin Challenge Bibendums where Hyundai has won gold and silver awards in a variety of categories.

About the Hyundai Tucson FCEV
Built on lightweight, performance-boosting aluminum body components, and a power plant located under the front hood, the Hyundai Tucson has a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of conventual SUV’s. It features low noise levels plus roomy passenger space and cargo capacity that offers the same level of comfort and convenience of a standard gasoline-powered SUV.

The Tucson FCEV has a driving range of 300 km (186 miles) thanks to a 152-liter (40-gallon) hydrogen storage tank and a maximum speed at 150km/h (93 mph). 2005 marked a major technology breakthrough for Hyundai, as the Tucson FCEV became one of the first fuel cell vehicles capable of starting in freezing temperatures. Testing has proven that the vehicle is capable of starting after being subjected to -20 degrees Celsius temperatures for five days. Other technical advancements for this model also include a higher output fuel cell and a lithium ion polymer battery.

About Hyundai Motor Company
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, which includes over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Further information about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available on the Internet at http://www.hyundai-motor.com

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