In the video above from the 2007 LA Auto Show, Kia's public relations manager Alex Fedorak was asked if they have plans for alternative fuel vehicles like hybrids in the 3, 5 or 10 year time span? Alex said they have hybrids in Korea but he thinks it's unlikely those hybrids will come to the US. Here is exactly what was said;

Actually, we have hybrids working right now in Korea. Can hybrids come to the US market: I say unlikely.

Alex then said clean diesel may be coming very soon. The working hybrids in Korea are probably the 4,000 we wrote Kia would field test. We are happy to hear the trials have started but they may not be going very well because were originally heard about a 2009 release, but that is before the 3-year time span Alex was asked about in the question.

Related:

• Kia Rio hybrid makes an appearance, should be here in 2009
• Geneva Preview: Kia's Rio Hybrid
• Will America lose the "electric car race" to China?

[Source: NextGear]

The Global & Yuasa Battery Co., Ltd., or Global Battery, announced this week the development of its own battery for use in hybrid vehicles. States a company spokesperson, "As soon as we wrap up discussions on the battery supply deal with Hyundai Motor, which is developing its own hybrid model, we will start mass producing."

Hyundai Motors, the largest automaker in Korea and one of the top ten in the world, had originally planned to start rolling out hybrids for sale in 2007. Currently the new date is 2009. It is unknown if Global's new battery will change the automaker's itinerary.

[Source: Digital Chosunilbo]

Relatd:

• Hyundai, Kia hybrids delayed until 2009
• Hyundai Accent Hybrid unveiled in China

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have decided to postpone the commercialization of their hybrid Verna and Pride by more than 12 months. The commercial hybrid production was originally scheduled to start late in 2007. Questions about profitability of the cars is spurring the delay. Also, the company is worried competitors might file complaints with the World Trade Organization against Hyundai/Kia, since government aid has been promised to make the production of hybrid vehicles in Korea more attractive. The hybrid Verna and Pride have been supplied to government ministries since 2004 in a pilot scheme, and sales to consumers were scheduled to start late in 2007. Policymakers are expressing concern over the competitiveness of Korea's automobile industry, especially since Toyota and Honda are planning to start selling hybrids in Korea towards the end of 2006.

[Source: The Korea Times]