2005 Hyundai Tuscon front.jpg

Basically representing an entire continent, Hyundai was the only Asian automaker to hold a press conference or show one new product. In this case, it was exactly one (no, not the all-new Sonata due in spring), and it's not even available for public sale. But the new fuel cell-powered Tucson FCEV, largely co-developed with UTC Fuel Cells, does add some fuel to the alternative fuel movement. Signaling a useful step forward over Hyundai's last attempt, the 2000 Santa Fe FCEV, the Tuscon has a range of 183 miles (thanks to a 40-gallon hydrogen tank) – almost on par with the most limited gasoline cars – and has overcome the hurdle of being able to start in freezing temperatures. The powerplant has moved from under the floor to under the hood. With the government's blessings, ChevronTexaco will help provide an infrastructure by building six filling stations, most of them in California.