Hyundai Ups Alternative Fuel Game with HTwo

When it comes to alternative fuel, it looks like Hyundai is not hedging all bets on their electric sub-brand Ioniq (which is also the name of its hybrid model). The Korean automotive giant has unveiled its hydrogen fuel cell-focused division, HTWO. The new company will continue Hyundai Motor Group's background in hydrogen fuel cell development which spans back over 20 years. 

The HTwo name stands for H2, the molecular name for hydrogen, as well as hydrogen and humanity, which are the two main pillars of its fuel cell business. While there were no further roadmap announced for the technology, the next-generation fuel cell system is claimed to be adaptable for cars, marine vessels, trains, and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) - a flying car project that has no relation to Malaysia. 

According to Hyundai, the HTwo sub-brand will have a global footprint by working with existing strategic local partnerships with hydrogen, energy, and logistics companies. The initial focus will be Korea, the United States, Europe, and China. 

In 2013, Hyundai launched the mass produced fuel cell version of their popular Hyundai Tucson. It's now joined by the Nexo SUV, Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck and a fuel cell electric bus. For its upcoming next-gen fuel cell system, Hyundai promises “enhanced performance and durability” at a lower price point, alongside with a lighter architecture and improved energy density. 

While they are just as good as its Japanese counterparts, Korean cars have a relatively smaller group of fans in Malaysia. It would be interesting to see how the comprehensively-equipped Hyundai Sonata will fare against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in terms of sales.