- Primary focus on development of fuel cell technology
- Cross-license patents and access to non-competitive components
- Access to each other’s intellectual property and share components
Audi and Hyundai have collaborated on development of fuel cell technology. Both the companies will cross-license patents and grant access to non-competitive components. Hyundai aims to encourage the use of hydrogen cars which are powered by electricity generated by the fuel cells. However, the lack of infrastructure withheld its development.
The collaboration will help both the companies access each other’s intellectual property and share components. Audi’s hydrogen fuel cell technology in the Volkswagen Group will be the biggest advantage for the Korean car manufacturer and hopes to create a stronger demand for the ix35 model and bring down the cost while offering a profitable technology.
Under the collaboration, Audi and Hyundai will also be focusing on regenerative production of hydrogen as well as establish a sufficient infrastructure. Hyundai has been the world’s first mass-producer of fuel cell vehicles and has been offering the SUV-Class FCEVs since 2013. The company currently sells these in about 18 countries, thereby presenting Volkswagen an opportunity to take full advantage of Hyundai’s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) parts supply chain.
