Despite Economy, Kia Sticks to Schedule With Summer Launch of First Hybrid

Despite Economy, Kia Sticks to Schedule With Summer Launch of First Hybrid

Sticking to an ambitious green car plan we told you about late last year, Kia Motors is entering the hybrid arena with a mild-hybrid version of its recently introduced Forte sedan (right) , a replacement for the Spectra.

The Kia Forte Hybrid, aimed at the South Korean automaker's home market, is slated to go on sale later this summer.

It combines a 1.6-liter liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engine with a small electric motor-generator, a continuously variable transmission and what the company says will be the world's first lithium-polymer battery pack.

The gel-based batteries are smaller, lighter and easier to package than solid-cell lithium batteries. South Korea's LG Chem, which recently won the contract to provide lithium-ion batteries for the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid due from General Motors Corp. in late 2010, will provide Kia's batteries.

The automaker said the Forte Hybrid should achieve fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon of liquefied petroleum gas.

Kia also reiterated that it is developing a full-hybrid car, capable of a limited amount of all-electric travel, for global sales in late 2010, with a plug-in hybrid and a fuel-cell electric vehicle to follow in 2012.

That's the same schedule its parent company, Hyundai Motor, has announced for its eco-friendly vehicle development program.

The two automakers say they collectively will spend about $6 billion on research and development this year despite the global recession, with most of the money to be spent on hybrid and fuel-cell electric car projects.

Kia said Monday that it will develop its environmental technologies for global distribution under the "Eco-Dynamics" sub-brand.

John O'Dell, Senior Editor

John O'Dell:  is an AutoObserver Senior Editor. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.