Pohang City and Global Powertrain Leader AVL Discuss Cooperation in the Hydrogen Industry

Seeking Sustainable Cooperation between Pohang and AVL through Joint R&D and Certification
Combining Global R&D Capabilities and Local Research Infrastructure to Expand the Hydrogen Industry Ecosystem

On July 9, Pohang City held discussions with AVL, the world’s largest powertrain company, at the City Hall’s International Cooperation Office to establish a strategic cooperation network and explore joint collaboration measures in various fields, including the hydrogen industry.

On the 9th, Helmut List, chairman of AVL, the world's largest powertrain company, along with key global executives, visited Pohang City Hall. Lee Kangdeok, mayor of Pohang, and Helmut List, chairman of AVL (right). Photo by Pohang City

This meeting was made possible as Pohang City, AVL, and Pohang Technopark sought opportunities for cooperation in the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors. There was an extensive discussion on practical cooperation measures to expand the hydrogen ecosystem in the future.

The visit was attended in person by key global executives from AVL, including Helmut List, Chairman; Matthias Dank, Vice President; Juergen Lechberger, Division Head; Han Kyungman, CEO of AVL KOREA; Seo Hyuncheol, Executive Director; and Moon Jigeun, Managing Director, demonstrating their strong interest.

AVL is a global technology company offering a wide range of powertrain solutions, including internal combustion engines, electric vehicles, batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells. The company holds a leading position, particularly in the development of hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen engines.

Pohang City expects that combining the region’s industrial and research infrastructure with AVL’s global R&D capabilities will serve as a catalyst for expanding the hydrogen industry ecosystem.

The main areas of cooperation discussed included: discovering energy cooperation models centered on Pohang’s specialized industrial complex; conducting joint R&D with local universities and research institutions; and collaborating on hydrogen fuel cell certification.

Helmut List, Chairman of AVL, stated, “I am deeply impressed by Pohang City’s future-oriented vision for hydrogen and sustainable energy,” emphasizing, “This cooperation marks a very meaningful first step toward building the next-generation mobility ecosystem.”

Han Kyungman, CEO of AVL KOREA, said, “It is meaningful to participate in strategic discussions with Pohang City and Pohang Technopark. We will do our utmost to provide practical and scalable solutions to facilitate the tangible expansion of Korea’s hydrogen ecosystem.”

Lee Kangdeok, Mayor of Pohang, remarked, “I expect this cooperation to further advance the region’s industry and lead to tangible results through connections with research infrastructure. I hope this meeting will serve as the starting point for sustainable technological cooperation and become a model case of global collaboration for the future.”

Pohang City Discusses Hydrogen Industry Cooperation with AVL, the World's Largest Powertrain Company. Photo by Pohang City

To further strengthen ongoing exchanges with AVL, Pohang City plans to visit AVL’s headquarters in Graz, Austria, to directly benchmark the hydrogen fuel cell test center and related infrastructure, and to further solidify the foundation for cooperation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.