- Hyundai Motor is the world’s first vehicle manufacturer to complete a Car Triathlon
- Inspirational Team Hoyt supported by Hyundai Motor eco-friendly line-up: Tucson Fuel Cell; Sonata Hybrid; Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
- Hyundai Motor’s global campaign ‘The Car Triathlon Powered by Pure Energy’ now live on YouTube, showing advanced eco-friendly technology and the true nature of challenge
Hyundai Motor has launched a global campaign – ‘The Car Triathlon Powered by Pure Energy’ – starring its eco-friendly line-up of fuel cell and hybrid cars and joining forces with world-renowned Team Hoyt to complete a unique triathlon, demonstrating the true nature of challenge.
Hyundai Motor rose to the challenge of helping Dick Hoyt and his son Rick Hoyt, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, race side-by-side in a triathlon – something they have never done before. Dick and Rick are committed to tackling misconceptions and share Hyundai’s belief that any challenge can be overcome.
To help spread the message that anybody can do anything, Hyundai Motor sent three of its most eco-friendly models, the Tucson Fuel Cell, Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, to join team Hoyt’s challenge in Boston, USA, near where the family lives. Each vehicle took on the mission of completing a different leg of the triathlon – swimming, cycling and running.
The innovative campaign demonstrates Hyundai Motor’s capabilities in advanced low emission technologies through its mass produced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). The campaign also shows the determination of Hyundai Motor to overcome technological challenges, reducing emissions and meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly cars.
Scott Noh, Head of Overseas Marketing Group at Hyundai Motor said, “The history of Hyundai Motor’s environmental focus has always been about making better eco-friendly cars, regardless of the challenges, an ambition that draws parallels with the Hoyt family’s battle against prejudices towards people with disabilities.”
Swimming Course – Tucson FCEV walks on water
Tucson FCEV, the world’s first mass produced FCEV model took to the water on Onota Lake, which is well known for its very strict environmental regulations. Producing only water vapour, Tucson FCEV demonstrated its eco credentials by completing the course with zero emissions and appearing to walk on water.
Cycling Course – Sonata Hybrid horsepower for the hills
Sonata Hybrid tackled the cycling course, boosted by its class-leading horsepower. The eco model added to the challenge by towing a water tank, heavier than the car itself, but still handled the uphill course with ease. To push the message of acceptance and overcoming challenges further, Sonata Hybrid also wrote an eco-friendly message on the track, “When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves”.
Marathon Course – Sonata Plug-in Hybrid charging forward
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid was perfectly suited to covering the Marathon Course thanks to its large, plug-in battery capacity. Having been charged, the vehicle can drive in EV (electric vehicle) mode totally emission free with the gasoline engine acting as a backup or for longer journeys. The vehicle can complete the 44km course without a gasoline engine. Sonata Plug-in Hybrid proved its eco credentials by completing 42.195km of the Marathon Course on its EV mode alone.
As Team Hoyt raced together with Hyundai cars in support, they were afforded the unique experience of completing their exceptional triathlon side by side and, as always, crossing the finish line together.
Watch ‘The Car Triathlon Powered by Pure Energy’ on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/LpT_xhDa2-s
