Hyundai targets compact machines and hydrogen to take on rivals

Hyundai’s hydrogen powered wheeled excavator. Image: Hyundai

Speaking to Construction Briefing at Bauma Munich 2025, Cheol-gon Choi, President and CEO at HD Hyundai Construction Equipment said the company was preparing for a market rebound by upgrading facilities in Korea and significantly boosting investment in manufacturing, R&D, and its dealer network.

“It’s not just about producing more products – it’s about producing smarter products with more innovative technology,” Choi said.

Hyundai CE, which shares technology and resources with sister company Develon under parent HD Hyundai, sees its ability to co-develop machinery as a key differentiator in a competitive global market and a way for them to compete against lower-cost Chinese OEMs.

“We are overcoming these difficulties with better quality and better productivity,” Choi said. He noted that, since the acquisition of Develon, the companies have exchanged around 60% of senior management, integrated purchasing, and centralised technology teams under HD Hyundai XiteSolution.

In line with global trends, Hyundai CE is also expanding its compact equipment portfolio, recently launching mini excavators, compact loaders, and skid steer loaders.

On alternative power, the OEM continues to explore both electric and hydrogen solutions. Hyundai has been developing a 15-tonne hydrogen-powered wheeled excavator, the HW155H. But challenges remain – notably the safe delivery and storage of hydrogen fuel.

“The most important part is how we’ll be delivering hydrogen energy,” Choi said, noting that regulations in Munich limited live demonstrations during Bauma.

Hyundai is also working on hybrid systems that could allow users to switch between hydrogen and diesel, alongside continued development of fully electric models.

A full feature interview with Cheol-gon Choi will be published in the near future on Construction Briefing.