Toyota Motors missed being the number one auto maker in the world in terms of sales by a mere 3,000 vehicles. The number one spot went again to General Motors which has held this spot since the 1930s. Though Toyota lost this time, it is fast gaining on the US Giant and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes the Numero Uno auto maker. Toyota is already the number one for hybrid cars, having sold over 1 million of them and plans to introduce all of its models in a hybrid version by the year 2020. Toyota Prius remains the most popular hybrid car in the world. Not long ago, Ford was the number two auto maker in the world - well, not anymore.

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Hyundai is planning to launch a hybrid version of it’s Elantra sedan by late 2009. The lithium polymer battery to power the hybrid will be manufactured by LG Chemicals. The choice of lithium-ion battery is a departure from other Japanese hybrid car manufacturers who are using Nickel Metal Hydride. Lithium-ion batteries are used to power everything from laptops to cell phones and other portable devices. Lithium-ion batteries could provide the extended range and efficiency to hybrid cars, though the battery manufacturers are working hard to overcome challenges of overheating.

Hyundai Motor showcased it’s i-Blue fuel cell concept electric (FCEV) crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The i-Blue has been designed from the ground-up to be a fuel cell car and comes equipped with the third generation of fuel cell technology developed and perfected by Hyundai. Concieved at the Hyundai Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan, the styling of the vehicle is stunningly beautiful.

The vehicle is operated by electric motors powered by 450V fuel cell stack that produces 100kW through the compressed hydrogen fuel. The car can reach top speeds of 100mph without breaking a sweat. A tank of hydrogen fuel stored in a tank underfloor gets you an amazing range of 370 miles before needing to be refilled.

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