Korean car makers are also playing catch-up like the German and American car makers to the Japanese Hybrid leaders. Hyundai expects to ship hybrid cars in 2009.

Hyundai says by 2009 their hybrid is going to be way better than Honda's. Well in 2 years, Honda and Toyota sure also have better hybrid cars on the market.

Anyway Hyundai says the main issue for them is cost right now. The technology is not an issue. They need to work on the cost of the necessary parts like the batteries.

Japanese car makers such as Honda and Toyota dominate over 90% of the global hybrid market.

By 2009 the Germans will be there too, like the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.
More details about Hyundai hybrid development can be found in this article on Digital Chosun Ilbo.