Filed under: Flex-Fuel, Manufacturing/Plants, Legislation and Policy
The Brazilian Hyundai subsidiary has launched a Brazil-only flex-fuel model called the HB20. It will be manufactured at its new plant in Piracicaba, Brazil, which starts production September 20 ahead of an early October sales launch.
Hyundai decided to bring its first Brazil-exclusive car to market to meet the tastes of Brazilian consumers and driving conditions in the country. Small cars make up Brazil's largest and most competitive segment. "I guarantee with pride that HB20 will change the perception of Brazilian customers in the small car segment," said Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motor Brasil. The HB20 is Hyundai's first flex-fuel car. Building the HB20 as a flex-fuel car was a good idea, considering Brazil requires gasoline to contain a minimum of 20 percent sugar cane ethanol.
The Hyundai HB20 will be offered in nine versions with a comprehensive package offered as standard from entry levels - hydraulic power steering, dual front airbags, air conditioning, and a spoiler with built-in brake lights, to name a few. The HB20 comes with three powertrains: 1.0L and 1.6L, with a manual gearbox and 1.6L, with automatic transmission.
The name "HB" stands for Hyundai Brasil, and the number "20" is the company's characterization for vehicles in this segment, a category that includes models assembled on small or compact vehicle platforms. See also: the i20.
Hyundai took about five years to develop the new model, which is part of the company's larger regionalization strategy. Dozens of Brazilian and Korean engineers were involved in the concept phase. Their strategy was to build a car tailored to Brazilian consumers' sensitivity to stylish and fuel-efficient cars. HB20 also features advanced anti-theft functions for maximum security.
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Hyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in October originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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