When will the Kia Rio hybrid hit America?

Maybe in 2009?

This morning AutoblogGreen posted an article about the Kia Rio hybrid coming to the U.S. in 2009. However, is that actually true?

Around 2009 Hyundai is supposed to develop a full production line of Rio hybrids, however, Kia has not announced how many vehicles will be built, nor in which markets the new hybrid will be sold.

While it's natural to assume that the hybrid will make it to the states, I wouldn't expect any before 2010. Furthermore, I doubt many of these mild hybrids will ever make it to the States.

Hyundai has announced that when lithium-ion batteries are cost-effectively integrated into automobiles, then hybrid cars become the future. Thus, I'm sure a full hybrid powertrain will quickly replace the mild hybrid powertrain currently slated to power the Rio hybrid.

Then, again, I'm just assuming.