Hyundai Blue 2 concept car

Hyundai introduces new hydrogen-powered fuel-cell concept car named Blue 2 at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show!

Named Blue 2, the concept car's name is a derivate of Hyundai's sub eco-brand called "Blue Drive" and the number 2, which comes from H2 and symbolizes the symbol for hydrogen gas.

It was designed and developed at Hyundai's Seoul based reasearch and design headquarters with an aim at gaining early leadership of the fuel cell electric vehicle market.

Hyundai Blue 2 concept vehicle is powered by a 122 horsepower fuel cell stack that delivers a mileage capability of 34.9 km/liter on the car. The car features aerodynamic enhancements as well as low roll-resistance tires and light-weight alloy wheels to improve its fuel-economy.

The latest concept car from Hyundai is full of innovative technologies. It features a highly advanced fuel cell stack under the hood, which poweres the car, as well as a plethora of other infotainment systems and technologies including a welcome system that recognizes the driver, automatic opening door system and both, side cameras and a roof cameras replacing the conventional side mirrors.

Inside, the Hyundai Blue 2 concept features interior design which encompasses a futuristic look by using eco-friendly new materials.

Hyundai wants hydrogen infrastructure to be built by 2015

Hyundai Motor Co. has announced it has joined Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda Motor Co,, Ltd,, Renault, Toyota and Nissan to urge world's governments and especially energy companies to speed up development of easily accessible and affordable hydrogen infrastructure to ensure the successful introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) into the marketplace.

World's leading automakers announced that they addressed a Letter of Understanding to all major oil and energy companies and government organizations to call on these organizations to propel the development of hydrogen refuelling stations around the world.

"A hydrogen infrastructure network with sufficient density is required by 2015 and the network should be built-up from metropolitan areas via corridors into area-wide coverage." The companies "strongly support the idea of building-up a hydrogen infrastructure in Europe, with Germany as starting point and at the same time developing similar concepts for the market penetration of hydrogen infrastructure in other regions of the world.

Fuel cell electric vehicles are part of Hyundai's "Blue Drive" strategy, which will bring to market a wide range of eco-friendly products and technologies designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Hyundai's FCEV program has been gaining momentum with plans in place to start limited series production by 2012. Hyundai plans to expand its demo fleet of FCEV's to 200 units by 2010, including SUVs and city buses, then slowly ramp up production starting in 2012.

As a part of that ("Blue Drive") initiative, Hyundai will unveil four Blue Drive models at the forthcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, which starts tomorrow. [Source: Hyundai-Blog]