Report: Hyundai not head over heels for plug-in vehicles

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

These days, vehicle electrification seems to be all the rage. But not so much, it seems, for Hyundai.

Some automakers, including Nissan and Chevrolet have already launched their electrified vehicles and Mitsubishi, Ford, Toyota and others will join the mix, soon. But one name nearly absent from the list of automakers set to launch electrified vehicles in the U.S. is Hyundai.

Why is Hyundai so uninterested in putting plugs into its automobiles? Well, the company's recent corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) numbers beat all automakers. Hyundai focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and sees no immediate rush to electrify its vehicles. John Krafcik, chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, told Automotive News (sub. req.) that:

Honestly, our focus isn't on hybrid. Our focus is on optimizing internal combustion and getting as many fuel-efficient vehicles out there, across the lineup. That's the way you do it. If you look at the math, if you look at how CAFE math works, volume trumps everything.

Of course, affordability is most likely the biggest issue, as costly electric and plug-in autos would be out of place among Hyundai's value-oriented lineup of vehicles.