Country’s second largest car maker Hyundai Motors has announced that the company will launch LPG variant of its best-selling car Santro by third quarter of the year.

Yesterday, the company unveiled its LPG variant at the auto show. The company has also showcased concept cars Volster and crossover coupe QarmaQ during 9th Auto expo.

Heung Soo Lheem, Managing Director of the company said, “The Santro LPG will hit the roads by the third quarter of the current calendar year, and we will announce the price once the car is out in the market. In the coming months similar variants of other models like Getz and Accent will also be rolled out.”

He further added that with rising crude prices, Santro LPG will provide a more economical option for our customers along with environment-friendly benefits.

Powered by 1086 cc engine, the Santro LPG promises reliable performance with unmatched fuel efficiency, Lheem said.

The carmaker also announced plans to foray into the commercial vehicle segment within a year.

Lheem said, “We are very close to taking a decision for a local partner and have short listed two, and within this year something should be worked out.”

The company has also decided to raise prices of its newly-launched i10 by up to Rs 5,000 from January 12, 2008.

The company is looking to sell 2.3 lakh 'i10' cars in 2008, of which 50% would be sold to overseas market.

The company plans to introduce i10’s diesel variant in India by 2010. Additionally, the company would also schedule to launch Santa Fe SUV as well as upgraded version named i20 in Indian market by next year.