Los Angeles  - Hyundai is developing a new hybrid technology using lithium polymer batteries which the car maker claims are lighter, require less space and are 10 per cent more efficient than current hybrids which use either lithium-ion or nickel-metal hybride.

In addition, the car maker presented special fuel-efficient models called Blue Drive at the Los Angeles Motor Show. These are fitted with a 30 kW electric motor, an improved 2.4-litre petrol engine and regenerative brake energy and a start-stop system.

Fuel efficient Accent and Elantra models will also form part of the Blue Drive initiative for 2009. Long-term plans from 2012 provide for a plug-in hybrid hybrid (PHEV) with fuel cell technology like the Hyundai Tucson FCEV which competed in the Hydrogen Road Tour this year. (dpa)