Hyundai Developing New, Dedicated Hybrid Model

Hyundai is next on the list to develop a Toyota Prius fighter.

The Korean automaker has revealed that it is currently developing a dedicated hybrid model that will compete with the Prius. It will also be a vehicle designed and marketed exclusively as a hybrid rather than being a variation of an existing model.

This year Hyundai launched its fuel-cell Tucson in California and plans to sell its first electric vehicle in 2016. Though the company didn’t expand on details for the upcoming hybrid, it did recently announce a new six-speed transmission for its hybrid models that will help improve fuel economy.

“We will take the lead in the future by raising the competitiveness of our environment-friendly cars like hybrid-only cars, plug-in hybrid cars and fuel-cell hydrogen cars,” Hyundai Motor CEO Kim Choong-ho said at a launch event for its Aslan premium sedan in South Korea.