South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor is planning to commenceat its Ulsan manufacturing plant.

The vehicle is based on the Hyundai's Tucson sport utility vehicle (SUV) and will be powered by hydrogen.

As the European Union has started construction of hydrogen fueling stations, the company plans to produce 1,000 units of the car for lease to public and private fleets by 2015 in Europe, while the company plans to produce vehicles for consumer retail sales after 2015.

Hyundai vice chairman Eok-Jo Kim said: "With the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle, Hyundai is leading the way into the zero-emissions future."

The car comes with a 5.6kg, 700 bar compressed hydrogen storage tank, a 24kW battery and a 100 kW fuel cell system, while offering a distance of 369miles with full tank of hydrogen, a top speed of 100mph and acceleration of 0-62mph in 12.5S.