SEOUL — Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea’s largest car manufacturer, has announced a breakthrough in its electric vehicle expansion by securing its first electric bus export deal to Japan. This marks a significant entry into the Japanese market, which is known for its stringent environmental standards and technological sophistication.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The company revealed that it had signed a letter of intent last Thursday in Tokyo with Iwasaki Group, a major player in transportation and tourism in Kagoshima Prefecture, to deliver five Elec City Town bus units by early next year. This deal represents Hyundai Motor's initial foray into the Japanese electric bus market. The buses are slated to operate in Yakushima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site characterized by its unique ecological diversity, ranging from subtropical to subarctic environments. Hyundai's medium-sized, low-floor electric buses are equipped with a 145 kWh battery and a high-efficiency motor, suited for the varying altitudes and environmental conditions of the region.