Hyundai Blue Drive

Hyundai is unveiling their new hybrid technology at the LA Auto Show today. More details from Hyundai after the jump.

Hyundai plans to lead all automotive brands in the U.S. in fuel economy by achieving a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon by 2015, five years ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline, powered by the Hyundai Blue Drive global product strategy.

Hyundai will begin building a gas-electric full hybrid edition of the next-generation Sonata for the North American market in 2010. This Sonata will use a parallel hybrid drive system and lithium polymer battery technology – leapfrogging competitive in-market nickel-metal hydride and planned lithium-ion applications.

Near-term, high mileage “Blue” editions of Accent and Elantra will join the Hyundai Blue Drive family in 2009.

An all-new crossover, shown in concept form with a 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, is green lighted for the U.S. market. The engine will appear in various Hyundai models in the future.

Long-term, the Hyundai Blue Drive family will be expanded to include Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV).