Hyundai aims to become world’s most efficient automaker

Top South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. aims to meet the U.S. government’s fuel-economy regulations by 2015, five years ahead of a mandated deadline, as part of its efforts to become the world’s most efficient automaker, according to John Krafcik, vice president of product development and strategic planning at Hyundai’s U.S. subsidiary, in a statement released for the Los Angeles Auto Show. As part of the initiative, Hyundai plans to introduce its first gas-electric hybrid version of the Sonata sedan in the U.S. market next year. The Sonata hybrid will use the industry’s first lithium polymer battery, developed by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea, Hyundai said. (November 20, 2008)