Interview with Domestic Reporters at Hydrogen Expo on December 4
"Policy Consistency Is Most Important for the Hydrogen Industry"
Jang Jaehoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, announced on December 4 that "in 2027, we will unveil a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system with significantly improved output, durability, and cost." This statement reflects Hyundai Motor's determination to widen the technological gap in key areas and secure competitiveness in order to maintain its leadership in hydrogen technology.
On this day, Vice Chairman Jang made these remarks during an interview with domestic reporters after the World Hydrogen Expo 2025 event held at KINTEX in Goyang. He stated, "Cost competitiveness must be considered not only in terms of hydrogen supply prices but also from the perspective of core technology, namely fuel cells," adding, "We are currently developing ways to drastically reduce costs, not only in terms of durability and performance, but also in overall production expenses."
Recently, Chinese hydrogen fuel cell companies have rapidly gained dominance in the world’s largest market, China, by successfully developing products with significantly reduced costs. As the need for a differentiated strategy for Hyundai Motor Group grows, the company has made it clear that it intends to maintain market leadership and outpace Chinese competitors by leveraging its technological edge.
To this end, Vice Chairman Jang emphasized the importance of "consistency" in industrial and corporate policy. He said, "There are various preparations underway in different regions, such as the establishment of hydrogen cities," and stressed, "Not only our group but also policy commitment and direction must align, and policy consistency is the most important factor."
On the 4th, Jang Jaehoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group (center in the photo), is being interviewed by domestic reporters after the World Hydrogen Expo 2025 event. Photo by Soo-yeon Woo
Regarding hydrogen-related collaborations with competitors such as General Motors and Toyota, he mentioned that while it will take time, the framework for cooperation is being established step by step. Vice Chairman Jang commented, "Collaboration with General Motors may take some time due to differences in technical interpretation," and added, "We will discuss ways to standardize data and technical aspects."
Explaining the growth potential of hydrogen energy, Vice Chairman Jang identified "energy" and "AI (artificial intelligence)" as the next-generation growth engines for Hyundai Motor Group. He emphasized, "Even in the development of robotics and AI, integration with energy is ultimately necessary. For Hyundai Motor Group to move forward as a whole, it is important to set a strategic direction toward energy and AI."
He continued, "To widen the gap as a global top-tier company, we need an execution-focused strategy in these areas," and added, "Next year, we will need to concentrate on developing strategies in this regard."
Regarding Hyundai Motor Group's autonomous driving strategy, he reaffirmed the company's commitment to maintaining its internalization strategy without wavering. While recent organizational changes, such as the replacement of the head of the Hyundai Motor and Kia SDV Division, have raised questions about possible strategic shifts, he dismissed such concerns and expressed his intention to continue on the existing path.
Vice Chairman Jang stated, "The key question is what we can do to surpass others in the autonomous driving and SDV fields," and added, "Motional is still some distance away from commercialization, but it plays a role in securing and internalizing advanced technologies. In terms of internalization, I believe we should stay on our current track."
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