Our intention is to deliver next generation vehicles that offer top performance without harmful emissions. As part of this commitment, we recently opened an Environment Technology Research Centre in the United States. This - along with our other research and development centres - is helping us develop environmentally friendly technologies in recycling, emissions and fuel efficiency. These include the following innovations:

Low-pollution technology

At the heart of our environmental protection efforts is what's known as aftertreatment technology. Our catalytic converters help to prevent air pollution by converting harmful engine-out emissions to harmless substances.

Lightweight vehicles

The fuel consumption of a vehicle is proportional to its weight, so making cars lighter is crucial to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Lighter weight also leads to decreased rolling resistance, vibration and noise, which in turn result in improvements in steering stability and power performance. This is why we apply light materials such as aluminum, magnesium, plastics and composites to our components wherever possible.

Harmful substance reduction technology

Hyundai has introduced a lead-free fuel tank and lead-free protective coating by developing environmentally friendly materials. Also, lead-free wire coatings in electric equipment have been adopted, while lower lead content aluminium bearings and bushing have been developed too.

Fuel cell technology

Fuel cell technology similar to the systems powering NASA's space shuttles is bringing us closer to a future that's free from polluting vehicles. Our Tucson FCEV was the first all weather Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) with ignition that can operate at sub-zero temperatures. And the Santa Fe Fuel Cell Vehicle was the first in the world to use a 350hPA high pressure hydrogen storage system. Both fuel cell vehicles are more efficient than conventional combustion engines and produce zero emissions.