Not many Hyundai hybrids until 2013?

One of Hyundai's fuel cell vehicles

It's obvious that Hyundai is paying attention to the hybrid cars segment, in addition to other advanced technologies, such as fuel cell vehicles. Still, the question remains, when will consumers be able to buy some Hyundai hybrids?

Earlier today I posted a story about the technology partnership between LG Chem and Hyundai that will bring LG Chem lithium batteries to Hyundai's hybrids. According to that story, Hyundai plans to begin mass production of hybrid cars in 2009.

Again, what does mass production mean? Does it mean 10,000 or 20,000 hybrids for the Korean market for the first few years? Possibly. According to AutoWeek, Hyundai does not have any serious hybrid plans for America until 2013.