Hyundai shows off first hydrogen car production capacity with concept car HED-9 at Geneva

A rendered image of Hyundai's next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell car, the HED-9 (Intrado), which makes debut at Geneva Motor Show on March 6/ Source from Hyundai Motor

AsiaToday reporter Kim Jong-hoon = The '2014 Geneva Motor Show' which opens on March 6 in Switzerland will likely to be a battlefield of environmentally friendly vehicle technologies. It's because many global carmakers will be showing off their eco-friendly technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells.

According to industry sources on the 24th, Hyundai Motor will secure its position in the global market by debuting its next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell car HED-9 (Intrado) at the upcoming motor show.

The relative newcomer, Hyundai Motor, surprised the world last year by mass-producing the world's first hydrogen car, Tucson ix. Hyundai Motor was a latecomer in developing eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Hyundai Car, which was being degraded as 'fast follower', achieved success in mass production of hydrogen car, which is believed to lead the future car market, putting down all the other leading carmakers such as Toyota and Benz.

Hyundai Motor's hydrogen car in the U.S market is especially a great achievement in terms of taking the leadership in the hydrogen vehicle market, where fierce competition will begin after 2015.

It appears that Hyundai will establish a solid foothold in the market as the first company to mass-produce hydrogen vehicles with its concept car, HED-9. The HED-9 is a CUV that was styled and engineered at Hyundai Motor European R&D centre in Germany and European design institute. The car will be equipped with a smaller and lighter power train than the ix35 hydrogen vehicle.

Back in March 2014, Hyundai Motor was re-selected by the European Union executive committee to conduct a test run of hydrogen fuel cell cars, and the company paved the way for exporting hydrogen vehicles around government offices in Europe such as Denmark and Sweden. The company also began private sale of hydrogen cars in the U.S. as well since early this year, distinguishing itself in the market.

Kia will display a standalone exhibit of a parallel 'mild hybrid system' at Geneva. This is the way of rolling the wheels with both engine and motor. This parallel type has less power loss than the straight line type, which rolls the wheels by sending electric power to the motor from engine.  

A rendered image of SsangYong Motor's concept car 'XLV' which will be unveiled at Geneva / Source form SsangYong Motor

SsangYong Motor will be showcasing a SUV concept car XLV featuring significantly lower CO2 emissions thanks to its mild hybrid system which is consisted of a 1.6 liter engine, motor, and lithium ion battery. The XLV provides accommodation for seven passengers. It showcases SsangYong's design philosophy 'Nature born 3 motion' and projects a rhythmical and dynamic exterior design.

European and Japanese brands will be revealing 'small and efficient cars'.

BMW will be revealing a new premium compact-class vehicle New 2 Series Active Tourer, 4-door Coupe model New Series 4 Gran Coupe, and the second generation of New X3.

Pure electric vehicle i30 and rechargeable hybrid sports car i8 are on standby.

Audi will be showcasing the smallest A1 series along with S1 and S1 Sportback with direct-injection turbo engine and Quattro all-wheel drive system.

France's Renault Group announced that it will reveal the third-generation Twingo which was developed alongside Benz Smart.

Toyota will be unveiling the 'AYGO'. The design theme for the new AYGO was 'J-Playful', with the aim of bringing a new degree of fun and playfulness inspired by the Japanese youth culture.

Honda will be showcasing its next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). 

Infiniti's concept car Q50 to be revealed at Geneva/ Source from Infiniti

Infiniti will be showcasing the Q50 Eau Rough's engine.

An official of Hyundai Motor said, "Hyundai Motor embarked on the development of hydrogen vehicles later, but it made the world's first hydrogen car and proved its technology in the global market. Hyundai Motor will advertise its excellent technology and design with HED-9 at the Geneva Motor Show."