U.S. President Barack Obama says South Korea is a competitor to the U.S. in clean energy.

Obama made the remark during a visit to a hybrid car plant in Indianapolis, Indiana, while talking about the importance of developing alternative energy technologies and of the commercialization of hybrid vehicles.

The U.S. president emphasized that Germany, China and South Korea are aware that clean energy will drive job creation and economic growth over the following years. He said that the U.S. should beat them in market competition.