Tokyo: Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea's leading carmaker, announced plans to promote its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (EV) technologies at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show. This initiative comes ahead of the scheduled launch of its new hydrogen-powered model, the Nexo, in Japan.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hyundai is set to introduce the all-new Nexo, which was unveiled earlier this year in South Korea, to the Japanese market in the first half of next year. Hyundai's strategy includes showcasing a lineup of high-quality, customized vehicles to Japanese consumers, with the Nexo playing a pivotal role in the company's electrification efforts.
The Nexo, an eco-friendly vehicle, boasts impressive capabilities, including a range of up to 720 kilometers on a single charge and the ability to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 7.8 seconds. Hyundai plans to feature five EV models, including the Ioniq 5 and Inster Cross, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, scheduled for October 30 to November 9.
In August, Hyundai took steps to bolster its presence in Japan by launching a fan community, Hyundai Motor Club Japan, aimed at strengthening customer engagement. This community is modeled after the Hyundai Motor Club Korea, established in 2015 by Hyundai vehicle owners and auto enthusiasts.
The company emphasizes its commitment to understanding local customer needs through community activities and aims to enhance brand awareness by facilitating exchanges between Hyundai vehicle owners in Japan and Korea. Hyundai reentered the Japanese market in May 2022, utilizing an online-only sales platform and focusing on all-electric models. This move marked a return after a 12-year hiatus, driven by growing EV demand and new opportunities in a market traditionally dominated by Toyota Motor Corp. Hyundai initially entered Japan in 2001 but withdrew in 2009 after selling around 15,000 gasoline vehicles.