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There are no plans to introduce hybrids in Australia as they are by produced in left-hand drive.
The Hyundai Sonata hybrid has just upped the ante on hybrid and electric cars.
The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia.
But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.
Hyundai announced at the Detroit motor show that their Sonata hybrid will feature the automotive industry's first lithium-polymer battery. But wait for it ... they are offering a lifetime replacement guarantee.
That takes away one of the major hurdles to buying an electric or hybrid car; the expense and finite life of the battery.
However Hyundai Australia spokesman Stephen Howard says there are no plans to introduce hybrids here as they are by produced in left-hand drive.
Hyundai also announced at the show that the lithium-polymer battery would be well suited to the Elantra electric prototype they are working on.
