Hyundai Motor Company and SK are uniting under hydrogen at the Gyeongju APEC site. They aim to showcase South Korea's hydrogen technology and capabilities at this economic cooperation venue where leaders from major countries and global corporate leaders gather.

The Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 28th that it will conduct exhibitions and events showcasing core technologies in hydrogen, purpose-built mobility (PBV), and robotics at the '2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit' venue in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Specifically, the hydrogen electric vehicle 'Nexo (2nd generation)' will be displayed at the Gyeongju Arts Center, where the 'APEC CEO Summit', an official side event of the APEC Summit, will be held until the 31st. This marks the first time the new Nexo is being showcased on a global diplomatic stage. The 2nd generation Nexo, launched domestically in June, symbolizes Hyundai's hydrogen technology and future mobility vision, featuring a design that emphasizes a masculine feel with its angular appearance. Hyundai Motor Group plans to draw global interest in hydrogen electric vehicles through this Nexo exhibition. At the APEC Economic Exhibition Hall located in Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, the Nexo will be displayed until the 22nd of next month. Alongside, a model demonstrating the principle of the fuel cell stack, a core component of hydrogen mobility, will be introduced, and a video of Hyundai Rotem's hydrogen electric tram will be screened. On the 30th, the APEC CEO Summit hydrogen session will be held to highlight Hyundai Motor Group's leadership in hydrogen technology and introduce hydrogen production capabilities, including 'PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) electrolysis technology (a technology for extracting hydrogen from water through electrolysis)', emphasizing collaboration for accelerating the global hydrogen ecosystem.

At the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park Air Dome, where the 'K-Tech Showcase' organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry is held, Hyundai Motor Group will operate a booth to display a diorama of the hydrogen ecosystem and showcase PBV and robotics, representing future mobility.

A Hyundai Motor Group representative stated, "We plan to introduce the core technologies of hydrogen and future mobility, as well as the hydrogen business, to APEC member country leaders and global leaders attending the event, thereby widely promoting Hyundai Motor Group's status in the eco-friendly energy and mobility industry." SK is also contributing to promoting South Korea's hydrogen capabilities. SK Innovation will support 20 hydrogen shuttle buses for APEC participants until the end of this month. To this end, they have rented Hyundai hydrogen buses from local transportation companies.

The purpose is to enhance convenience and aid in the successful conduct of the event by operating hydrogen shuttle buses between Busan, Pohang, Gyeongju, and the Gyeongju Arts Center, where participants from around the world are staying.

SK Innovation, which has been contributing to the spread of domestic hydrogen mobility through its liquid hydrogen production and charging business, plans to actively promote the excellence of the domestic hydrogen mobility ecosystem through this hydrogen bus support. In particular, they aim to highlight the eco-friendliness of hydrogen buses, which emit no pollutants, to global leaders and provide a differentiated experience with stable ride quality and low noise to promote the competitiveness of hydrogen buses. The exterior of the hydrogen buses will feature APEC CEO Summit wrapping. The hydrogen buses do not emit any pollutants such as carbon dioxide during operation. Additionally, they have a function to purify fine dust, contributing to air quality improvement. They also boast faster charging speeds and longer driving ranges per charge compared to electric buses.

In May last year, SK Innovation completed the Incheon Liquid Hydrogen Plant, commencing full-scale liquid hydrogen production. They have been leading the establishment of the hydrogen mobility ecosystem nationwide by installing liquid hydrogen charging stations in cooperation with local governments and transportation companies. An SK Innovation representative stated, "We will actively support the successful hosting of the APEC event, attended by global leaders, and aim to inform as many participants as possible about the eco-friendliness and excellence of South Korea's hydrogen mobility ecosystem."

During this APEC period, it is expected that approximately 20,000 people, including heads of member countries, high-level officials, leaders of major global companies, and representatives of international organizations, will visit Gyeongju. Hyundai and SK plan to imprint South Korea's hydrogen technology leadership on the world.

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