[THE INVESTOR] Hyundai Motor is planning to roll out the second-generation fuel-cell version of its Tucson ix sport utility vehicle in 2018, just in time for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics taking place in South Korea, local news reported on July 29. 

Since 2013, South Korea’s largest automaker has been producing the first fuel cell version of its Tucson sport utility vehicle, known as Tucson FCEV -- which is also sold as Hyundai ix35 FCEV overseas.

The upcoming model will adopt a larger battery, while equipped with smaller and lighter fuel cell electric motor. Despite its reduced size, the car will provide better output, with longer driving range.

“The first generation Tucson FCEV was selected as one of the top 10 best engines by the Ward’s AutoWorld magazine in the US in 2014,” a Hyundai official said. 

“If we develop a new FCEV that surpasses the performance of the first generation, it will be helpful to solve the fine dust problems as well.”

The carmaker is aiming to unveil the new car at the Olympics, which takes place from Feb. 9-25 in 2018, to generate maximum publicity on its home turf.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)