Hyundai is eyeing the hybrid car segment in India now. It plans to manufacture hybrid cars in Korea and later plans to introduce the same in other countries around the world including India. Hyundai has sensed the need for hybrid cars looking at the rising fuel prices around the world. The company plans to launch hybrid versions of its models like Hyundai Accent, Sonata and Avante in Korea next year. It would then introduce the hybrid models in India by 2010. The company also aims to develop similar technology for its small cars at its research and development technology centre in India.

"We have been slow in the field so far but have aggressive plans given the fact that high oil prices have made hybrids almost a necessity now. From next year, we will sell hybrid cars in Korea and by 2010 we will be selling them all over the world," said Seok San Jang, a senior vice president for Hyundai's international business operations. "India is our hub for small cars and hybrids for smaller cars will also eventually come from there."

Hyundai is the second largest car manufacturer in India. It has already made India as its export hub for the small cars. It recently marked a milestone by procuring more than 1 lakh export orders for its latest model i10.