Hyundai and Audi announced they have entered into a multi-year patent cross-licensing agreement, covering a broad range of fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) components and technologies. Under the new partnership, the world’s fifth-largest auto-making group and the German premium car maker will make joint efforts in developing FCEVs, to lead the automotive industry to a more sustainable future.
The cross-license agreement has been signed between Hyundai and Audi but also covers and benefits both companies’ affiliates, including but not limited to Kia and Audi’s parent company Volkswagen. Hyundai and Audi, as well as their affiliates will equally share the patent licenses over the years to come. The duration of the agreement has not been disclosed.
The partnership between Hyundai and Audi will leverage collective R&D capabilities in fuel cell technology to elevate their presence in the FCEV market. Therefore, the agreement also includes mutual access to fuel cell components. As a first step, Hyundai will grant its counterpart the access to parts that are based on Hyundai’s know-how accumulated from the development of ix35 Fuel Cell as well as NEXO.
Audi - 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, the world’s first mass-producer of fuel cell vehicles, has been offering SUV-Class FCEVs since 2013, and currently sells them in 18 countries around the world.
The cross-license agreement has been signed between Hyundai and Audi but also covers and benefits both companies’ affiliates, including but not limited to Kia and Audi’s parent company Volkswagen. Hyundai and Audi, as well as their affiliates will equally share the patent licenses over the years to come. The duration of the agreement has not been disclosed.
The partnership between Hyundai and Audi will leverage collective R&D capabilities in fuel cell technology to elevate their presence in the FCEV market. Therefore, the agreement also includes mutual access to fuel cell components. As a first step, Hyundai will grant its counterpart the access to parts that are based on Hyundai’s know-how accumulated from the development of ix35 Fuel Cell as well as NEXO.
Audi - 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, the world’s first mass-producer of fuel cell vehicles, has been offering SUV-Class FCEVs since 2013, and currently sells them in 18 countries around the world.
Hyundai and Audi have also agreed to explore opportunities for a next step in their collaboration. This next step will aim to lead industry standards in fuel cell technology as well as accelerate FCEV development and spur innovation in this technology, providing more advanced mobility options to customers.
