Hyundai introduces Canada's first fuel cell vehicle customers

Family from Surrey, BC received keys to a Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai's newest zero emission SUV, at the Canadian International Auto Show

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Canada's first ever customers for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle were introduced by Don Romano, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., today at the Canadian International Auto Show. Jennifer Ma, Clayton Crawley and their two children, hailing from Surrey, BC, received the keys to their new, zero emissions Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) for a 3-year lease.

The family was looking to replace their old vehicle with a more eco-friendly alternative that would suit their lifestyle. "Being a naturopath and chiropractor, I am conscientious about the environment and the impact we have upon it," said Ma. "The Tucson is an amazing step in the right direction for us and for Hyundai. As a zero-emissions electric vehicle that can accommodate everyone in our family, it really helps reduce our environmental footprint."

November 26, 2014, Hyundai announced it would be the first automotive company to make hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles available to Canadians, and launched a dedicated website to find its first customer. The public's response has been immediate. "I work in biotech and am fascinated by fuel cell technology. I have been following the developments in the fuel cell industry and was really impressed when Hyundai made its big announcement," said Crawley. "The Tucson Fuel Cell is an extraordinary machine and I'm looking forward to making it a part of my family's everyday life."

Canadians who are interested in the program can follow Ma and Crawley and their Tucson FCEV at www.HyundaiHydrogen.ca/my-Tucson. "Getting the first fuel cell vehicle on the road, with a real customer, is a significant achievement. But, we are only getting started" said Romano. "We've seen a tremendous response to our call for applications, from Canadians at all walks of life, and we will deliver more vehicles to new customers very soon. There is a definite market for fuel cell vehicles in this country and our ambition is to lead the way in the zero emissions space," he added.

The Hyundai Tucson FCEV takes less than 5 minutes to refuel and has an estimated range of 426 kilometres; both are comparable to the company's existing gasoline-powered Tucson and eliminate the range anxiety or recharge-time compromises of battery electric vehicles. Electricity is generated through an electrochemical process combining oxygen and hydrogen in the Tucson FCEV's fuel cell stack. This electricity powers the vehicle's electric motor and charges an onboard battery. The only by-product of the process is pure water vapour, resulting in zero greenhouse-gas emissions.

HYUNDAI AUTO CANADA CORP.
Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through more than 210 dealerships nationwide. Hyundai is also the first to offer its zero-emissions Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to Canadian customers. More information about Hyundai and its vehicles can be found at www.HyundaiCanada.com.

SOURCE Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

Image with caption: "Family from Surrey, BC received keys to a Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai’s newest zero emission SUV, at the Canadian International Auto Show (CNW Group/Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150212_C5899_PHOTO_EN_12094.jpg

For interviews or additional information, please contact: Chad Heard, Public Relations Manager, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Laurence Myre Leroux, Public Relations Specialist, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]