Hyundai Translead to Become Official Distributor of Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks in North America

In a strategic move that underscores Hyundai’s accelerating commitment to zero-emission commercial mobility, Hyundai Translead has been appointed as the official distributor of Hyundai Motor Company’s XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks in North America. This milestone represents a pivotal step toward advancing sustainable logistics, while providing North American fleets with direct access to the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck.

The decision aligns with Hyundai’s broader vision to redefine transportation through clean energy and integrated solutions. By uniting its industry-leading trailer business with the company’s innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology, it is establishing a cohesive and forward-looking platform that supports the evolving needs of fleet operators, logistics providers, and businesses seeking to transition toward low-carbon operations.

Pioneering Hydrogen Mobility in Commercial Transport

The XCIENT Fuel Cell, first launched globally in 2020, stands as a testament to Hyundai’s leadership in sustainable transportation. As the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck, it combines zero-tailpipe emission performance with robust long-haul capability and reliability suited for commercial use.

Powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, the XCIENT Fuel Cell eliminates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional diesel engines, producing only water vapor as exhaust. It delivers a balance of power, range, and refueling efficiency, offering fleet operators a viable alternative to internal combustion engines without compromising operational productivity.

Since its introduction, Hyundai has deployed over 3,500 hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles worldwide, including more than 250 heavy-duty XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks operating in multiple regions. These vehicles have demonstrated real-world viability across demanding logistics environments, reinforcing hydrogen’s role as a practical and scalable clean energy solution for heavy-duty transport.

Accelerating Clean Logistics Across the United States

In North America, Hyundai has already taken major steps toward expanding the presence of hydrogen-powered trucks. In California, 35 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks are currently on the road as part of two landmark projects that highlight Hyundai’s collaboration with public agencies and private fleet operators.

The NorCAL ZERO Project, supported by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), accounts for 30 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks deployed for regional freight operations in Northern California. An additional 5 trucks have been introduced under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Targeted Airshed Grants (TAG) program, designed to improve air quality in some of the nation’s most impacted areas.

These deployments have provided valuable insights into the integration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in real-world logistics, showcasing both environmental and operational benefits. The trucks have successfully demonstrated reliability, long-range capacity, and fast refueling times — all critical factors in fleet adoption.

Building on this success, Hyundai recently expanded its clean mobility footprint with the introduction of 21 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to support logistics operations associated with the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia. This initiative not only supports Hyundai’s own manufacturing supply chain but also underscores the company’s holistic approach to decarbonizing its operations across the entire value chain.

Hyundai Translead: Unifying Innovation and Efficiency

With its appointment as the official distributor of XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks, Translead — North America’s leading manufacturer of van trailers — is expanding its role beyond trailer production to become a central hub for Hyundai’s commercial vehicle ecosystem. This integration will allow Hyundai to offer customers a unified platform for advanced logistics solutions, bringing together trailer technology, zero-emission trucks, and digital connectivity under one brand.

The collaboration is designed to simplify procurement processes, enhance fleet management efficiency, and create a seamless experience for customers transitioning to hydrogen-powered logistics. By combining vehicle distribution, aftersales support, and trailer integration through it Translead, the company is setting a new benchmark for cohesive fleet operations in the clean transport era.

“Our goal is to make advanced, sustainable technologies more accessible to customers,” said Sean Kenney, CEO of Hyundai Translead. “Through this partnership, we’re delivering more integrated and flexible transportation solutions that enhance efficiency, improve uptime, and prepare our customers for the future of zero-emission logistics. We’re not only focused on what’s possible today, but also on how we can enable tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem.”

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Hyundai Motor Company views the appointment of Hyundai Translead as a critical enabler for expanding its hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle presence in North America. The collaboration bridges Hyundai’s technological innovation with Translead’s deep regional expertise, creating a foundation for scalable clean logistics solutions across industries such as freight, manufacturing, and distribution.

“Appointing Hyundai Translead as the official distributor of our XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks in North America is a step toward advanced sustainable logistics,” said Chul Youn Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicles at Hyundai Motor Company. “By combining our hydrogen truck technology with Hyundai Translead’s trailer expertise, we aim to empower our customers to adopt clean transport solutions today — while building resilience for the emerging needs of tomorrow.”

This partnership also complements Hyundai’s broader “Progress for Humanity” vision, which prioritizes environmental responsibility, innovation, and mobility freedom. The company continues to invest heavily in hydrogen ecosystems, renewable energy infrastructure, and fuel cell research as part of its roadmap toward carbon neutrality.

Driving the Hydrogen Economy Forward

Hyundai’s commitment extends beyond vehicles. The company is actively collaborating with industry partners, policymakers, and energy providers to establish the hydrogen value chain — encompassing production, storage, distribution, and refueling infrastructure. By aligning vehicle deployment with infrastructure expansion, Hyundai aims to accelerate the hydrogen economy’s growth and make clean commercial mobility a reality on a global scale.

With Translead now serving as the official distributor of the XCIENT Fuel Cell Trucks, is taking another decisive step toward transforming the logistics landscape of North America. Together, the two companies are setting a new standard for efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, leading the way toward a cleaner and more connected future for heavy-duty transport.
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