First Hyundai Hybrid car makes regional debut

Hyundai Motor Company has announced the arrival of the Sonata Hybrid in the Middle East. The launch of the Korean brand's mid-size hybrid car marks the first time the company has marketed a hybrid vehicle in the region, reinforcing Hyundai's philosophy 'New thinking, new possibilities.'
The first country to welcome this eco-friendly car was Jordan, with the official launch ceremony taking place at the historic Citadel in Amman earlier in June. The arrival of the new Hybrid car comes at a time when Hyundai cars continue to enjoy record-breaking levels of popularity across the GCC and Levant region, with sales up 5.9 percent in the first quarter of 2013.
Speaking at the launch of the new model, which will initially be available in Jordan, Hyundai's Vice President and Head of Middle East regional headquarters, Tom Lee said: “Introducing the new Sonata Hybrid to the Middle East marks an important milestone for Hyundai. There is an increasing awareness around the region about our individual responsibilities to limit our impact on the environment, and Hyundai is pleased to be able to offer a product to meet this new demand.”
The new Sonata Hybrid, which is the first model enjoying Hyundai's Blue Drive technology to reach the Middle East, is equipped with an advanced hybrid drive system that is powered by a 2.4 liter gasoline engine that gives out 199 hp.
This is coupled with an electric motor, which delivers up to 30 kW, stored in a state-of-the-art lithium polymer battery, giving the hybrid a total output of 200 hp. The model is capable of speeds of up to 120 km/h using its electric motor alone and can cover approximately 16.1 km on a single liter of fuel.
The new car features a new and improved external design that sets itself apart form the standard models, with larger front and rear fascias with a deeper air dam, extended rocker panels and reduced wheel drag. These external changes enhance air flow and decrease resistance, resulting in better aerodynamics and less energy used.
The interior of Hyundai's new eco-friendly car offers its passengers the same high level of comfort and convenience as its counterparts, including cruise control, Blue tooth and advanced 4.20-inch LCD computer with Hybrid display. And with a seven-year warranty and extremely competitive price, this Blue Drive model is set to prove popular as it is green.
Hyundai has already implemented a number of green initiatives this year. In Copenhagen, Denmark, the company delivered the first 15 hydrogen-powered ix35 (known as the Tucson in the Middle East) fuel cell models to mark the opening of Denmark's first hydrogen refueling station. Hyundai also recently announced it will install Korea's largest rooftop photovoltaic power plant at its manufacturing factory in Asan, where all Azera and Sonata cars destined for the Middle East are built.