Hyundai Motor Group (www.hyundai.co.kr) and Audi (www.audi.com) have entered into a multi-year patent cross-licensing agreement that covers a broad range of fuel-cell electric-vehicle (FCEV) components and technologies.

The agreement was signed by Hyundai Motor Co — the group’s flagship car-making unit — and Audi, but it also covers both companies’ affiliates, including Kia Motors Corporation and Audi’s parent company Volkswagen AG.

The duration of the agreement has not been disclosed, but it includes mutual access to fuel-cell components.

As a first step, Hyundai Motor Group will grant its counterpart access to parts that are based on Hyundai’s know-how accumulated from the development of the ix35 fuel cell as well as NEXO.

Audi, which is responsible for the development of fuel-cell technology within the Volkswagen Group, will also be able to take full advantage of Hyundai’s FCEV parts supply chain.

Hyundai Motor Co has been offering SUV-Class FCEVs since 2013, and it currently sells them in 18 countries around the world.

Euisun Chung, vice-chairman of Hyundai Motor Co, said: “This agreement is another example of Hyundai’s strong commitment to creating a more sustainable future, while enhancing consumers’ lives with hydrogen-powered vehicles — the fastest way to a truly zero-emission world.


"We are confident that the Hyundai Motor Group-Audi partnership will successfully demonstrate the vision and benefits of FCEVs to global society.”

Hyundai Motor Group also plans to strengthen its competitiveness in the fuel cell components industry, engaging in new business opportunities created by the new partnership.

Hyundai Mobis, the group’s leading manufacturer of FCEV components, is expected to continuously expand its role — developing and supplying proprietary core components for Hyundai and Kia FCEVs.