Hyundai teams up with Skoda on hydrogen vehicle R&D, but there’s a catch

Hyundai Motor Company has struck a partnership agreement with Skoda Group that envisions the two companies joining forces in the research and development of hydrogen powertrains for vehicles.

The catch is that Skoda Group isn’t closely affiliated with the carmaker we all know as the Skoda Auto. Skoda Group specializes in building train engines and carriages, as well as electric buses. Thanks to a separate agreement, this company can legally use the automaker’s nameplate and badge until 2029.

According to the clauses of the new partnership, Skoda will be designing buses and other large transports for commercial use. Hyundai will be the one supplying the fuel-cell powertrains.