Seoul  - The South Korean car maker Hyundai has launched its first hybrid car, the Avante LPi, on the domestic market combining a 114 hp petrol engine with a battery-driven electric motor and LPG (liquid petroleum gas) drive.

Hyundai also claims a world first with a hybrid using lithium-ion polymer batteries.

Consumption is listed at 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres with a carbon dioxide emission figure of 99 grammes per kilometre. Fuel consumption in LPG drive is slightly higher but it burns cleaner and is much cheaper than petrol in South Korea and in other countries.

Hyundai is planning to sell some 7,500 units of the Avante LPi this year, hoping to double sales for 2010. So far the company has no plans to export the vehicle but will hold promotional test drives in other countries and possibly make an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Hyundai has for several years been testing hybrid systems and has plans to produce a Hyundai Sonata hybrid fitted with an electric and petrol engine in 2010. (dpa)