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.

Kia hybrid at Geneva Auto Show

Maybe in 2008?

The Kia Rio hybrid will debut at the Geneva Auto show, but the first hybrid from the Kia/Hyundia family is probably still more than a year away. Perhaps a 2009 Rio hybrid could hit the U.S. at the end of 2008.

In the past, currency issues have been cited as the delay, but it is no secret that corporate scandals have also plagued Kia and Hyundia. At one time I hoped that these South Korean automakers could bring some real competition to the hybrid cars segment. Now, who knows what the future holds Kia.