Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to Debut in Sun Bowl Ad

As if trying to thank whatever Gods it prays to for the honor of joining two electric vehicles in the race for the North America Car of the Year, the Sonata model manufactured by the South Koreans from Hyundai will get a hybrid version in the first months of next year.

Not only that, but the hybrid version of the successful model will be the first of its kind in Hyundai's stables. To honor that, the car maker prepared an advertising campaign to match, which will debut during the Hyundai Sun Bowl event on December 31.

The car will come with the promise of a money-saving 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating, the best of pretty much all other mid-size sedans, be it hybrids or non-hybrids. The car uses an internal combustion engine paired to an electric motor and third-generation lithium polymer batteries.

"The spot makes a point about how all technology evolves. Hybrid Sonata capitalizes on the learnings of hybrid models that have come before it, and advances the technology so that it's practical and affordable for a broader consumer audience – not just early adopters," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America CEO.

"Like the 2.4-liter direct-injected Sonata and the 2.0-liter Sonata Turbo launched earlier this year, Sonata Hybrid demonstrates Hyundai's unique approach melding innovative technologies and emotional design into products more and more people want to put in their driveways."

Earlier today, Hyundai announced that the Sonata is becoming one of its best selling models ever, with the 200,000 units milestone within grasp for the current year.