Hyundai plans fuel cell and performance models

* Intrado concept to make its debut at Geneva 2014 * 22 new Hyundai models for Europe in the next four years * Company aims to deliver 1000 fuel cell cars by 2015...

Hyundai plans fuel cell and performance models

Hyundai will unveil a hydrogen fuel cell concept car at the 2014 Geneva motor show.

Called the Intrado, it's said to be a small, lightweight lifestyle vehicle that previews Hyundai's future design direction and technology.

Peter Schreyer, Hyundai's chief design officer, told What Car?: 'We strongly believe that hydrogen is a viable power source, so the Intrado will use a new, more compact fuel cell drivetrain.'

Schreyer also suggested that the differences between the cars of Hyundai and its sister firm Kia will be bigger in the future. 'I'd like us to differentiate more so we're not fishing for exactly the same customers,' he said.

Hyundai aims to have delivered 1000 fuel cell cars to customers by 2015, plus it says it will launch 22 new conventionally powered models in Europe between now and 2017.

These will include cars that push Hyundai into sectors of the market that it doesn't currently compete in, as well as replacements for its existing models.

For the first time, Hyundai is also planning to offer performance variants of its key models. These will wear a new 'N' badge, although Hyundai is still to decide just how sporty its N cars will look and feel.

By Steve Huntingford