Aichi Prefecture: Hyundai Motor Group's chief, Euisun Chung, has hinted at a potential collaboration with Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. in the field of hydrogen-powered mobility. Speaking at the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) held at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Chung noted that both companies are in discussions about hydrogen technology and are striving to collaborate effectively.According to Yonhap News Agency, this was the first time Chung has publicly mentioned the possibility of working with Toyota on hydrogen initiatives. The conversation between Chung and Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda during the racing event marked their second meeting within a month, fueling speculation about a potential partnership. The first meeting took place in late October at a racing event in South Korea, which was co-organized by the two automakers.Hyundai is not new to hydrogen technology, having entered the field in 1998 with the establishment of a dedicated hydrogen research unit. The South Korean automaker introduced its first hydrogen vehicle in 2000 in collaboration with U.S. fuel cell company UTC Power. Currently, Hyundai's Nexo, a passenger hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), competes with Toyota's Mirai FCEV in the global market. Hyundai also unveiled a new FCEV concept model named the Initium recently.During the WRC event, Hyundai team driver Thierry Neuville clinched the drivers' championship title, while Toyota secured the manufacturers' championship. Chung expressed pride in the Hyundai team's performance, stating, "This kind of victory motivates us to continue researching and developing cars with passion and excellence."
- October 12, 2026
