By Kim Hyun-cheol
Staff Reporter

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has outlined a plan for the new addition to its hybrid fleet of liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline models.

The nation's largest carmaker said that it would commercialize a hybrid edition for one of its diesel models, at a forum on clean diesel held at the National Assembly, Monday.

"Commercialization will be established around 2011," said Kim Hae-jin, Hyundai-Kia's managing director.

When it comes to green cars, the carmaker said its focus would be on diesel hybrids rather than electric vehicles in the short term.

"Electric cars will be produced in 2011 as well, but it will take five or six more years to churn them out. So the company will concentrate more on diesel hybrid models," Kim said.

"I hope the government will roll out broadened supports for eco-friendly vehicles, including the reduction of environmental surcharges on diesel models."

Demand for diesel vehicles is dwindling in the Korean market, running counter to the global trend. With oil prices remaining high and the impact of climate change agreements growing, their market share is expected to post a double-digit increase in most emerging markets over the next five years.

If its plan goes as expected, Hyundai-Kia will complete a trilogy with its hybrids. It released hybrid editions of the Avante and Forte sedan models earlier this year, and plans to produce a gasoline hybrid model for its signature Sonata sedan, the newest version of which was out on the market in September.

Its diesel hybrid is likely to be what is called a "mild-type" hybrid, in which the motor and the engine run together, unlike "full-type" models such as Toyota's Prius, in which they operate separately.

Kim didn't specify the model that would be turned into a hybrid, saying the decision will be made in accordance with the market situation, a remark that reflects the dilemma facing the diesel-hybrid developer.

Diesel hybrid cars have clear positive and negative points. On the bright side, their energy productivity will substantially improve in comparison to existing diesel cars.

"Combustion efficiency will surge 30 percent in hybridized diesel engines, over the 25-percent rise expected in gasoline hybrid engines," Kim said.

Price, however, is likely to be the most daunting hurdle on the way to their development. The combination of diesel and hybrid technologies might be too heavy for customers who are used to gasoline-burning models.

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz is currently developing diesel hybrid sedans, while Peugeot is working it on sports utility vehicles (SUVs). No particular maker has yet to complete commercialization.

hckim@koreatimes.co.kr