Car firm Hyundai has shown off South Korea’s first electric car, the BlueOn.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak helped Hyundai promote the first viewing of the car by allowing it to be shown on the grounds of his official residence.

He also took it for a spin while officials and reporters were given details of the $35 million investment for Hyundai.

The small car has been hailed as South Korea’s first full-speed electric vehicle and a rival to Japanese models which are due soon.

South Korean government organizations will receive the first models by October this year.