Hyundai Motor said Sunday that its hydrogen fuel cell sport utility vehicle Tucson ix, whose export name is ix35, will be used in the next round of the European Union’s pilot program promoting environment-friendly cars.

Hyundai last month announced it started the mass production of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, becoming the first carmaker to do so in the world. The company expects sales to begin in Europe in 2015.

Following its first participation in 2011, the Tucson ix will also join the second round of research, development and promotional activities in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technology in Europe led by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.

The FCH JU, based in Brussels, Belgium, consists of the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen firms represented by the NEW Industry Grouping and the research community represented by Research Grouping N.ERGHY.

“Adding to the mass production of hydrogen cars and a recent MOU for another pilot program in Northern Europe, the latest car provision will pave the way for us to expand hydrogen car sales in the European market,” said a Hyundai official.

The Tucson ix, built with homegrown Hyundai technology, can run for up to 594 kilometers on a single tank. It has a fuel economy of 27.8 kilometers per liter in terms of gasoline, which is in line with the New European Driving Cycle.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)