Hyundai Details Global Fuel-Cell Vehicle Plans

Just the Facts:

• Hyundai will make 2,000 fuel-cell electric vehicles available for lease in global markets between 2012 and 2014.
• Approximately 400 may come to the U.S. before 2015.
• GM and Honda already have fuel-cell vehicle demonstration programs in the works.

DETROIT — Hyundai said it will make 2,000 fuel-cell electric vehicles available for lease in global markets between 2012 and 2014. Approximately 400 may come to the U.S. before 2015.

Hyundai clarified the plans for its fuel-cell vehicle rollout following testimony by Deborah Bakker, Hyundai's senior manager for regulation and certification, during a public hearing on Thursday on the EPA's proposed new fuel economy window stickers.

There was little detail behind the official statement released on Friday morning. "No specifics on sales to the general public or captive fleets," said Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore in an e-mailed message to Inside Line.

Hyundai has said it will launch fuel-cell vehicles in 2012.

"We plan to include mid to large-sized SUVs while expanding the fleet of pilot vehicles to several hundred units," according to a statement by the Korean automaker. "Afterwards, we will build a small-scale production system to begin manufacturing from 2012."

Hyundai and partner Kia developed the fuel-cell Kia Sportage in 2000 and introduced the fuel-cell-powered Tucson in 2004. "Hyundai Motor Company is committed to advancing hydrogen-powered, zero-emission fuel cell technology," said Friday's statement.

General Motors and Honda already have fuel-cell vehicle demonstration programs in the works.

Inside Line says: Hyundai is hot on the heels of GM and Honda in the fuel-cell vehicle race. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent