Hyundai Xcient production launching in Australia through partnership with Advanced Manufacturing Queensland

The agreement paves the way for local assembly of Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered Class 8 semis, supporting Australia’s push toward sustainable transport and advanced manufacturing growth.

Jay Traugott

Aug 6, 2025

Hyundai's zero-emissions Xcient trucks (above) are coming to Australian roads sooner than expected, thanks to a major new manufacturing deal in Queensland.

Clean Trucking

Hyundai is making some interesting moves Down Under with its recently updated hydrogen fuel cell-powered Xcient Class 8 semi.

The South Korean automaker, which has a significant passenger vehicle production presence in the U.S. states of Alabama and Georgia, has partnered with Advanced Manufacturing Queensland (AMQ), the engineering division of Australian-owned BossCap Group, to begin localized production of the Xcient FCEV.

Set to take place in north Brisbane at AMQ's 86,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, the recent recipient of a $14,000 AUD expansion, AMQ will also be validating and re-manufacturing the Xcient to better meet local use and regulatory requirements.

According to Australian publication GoAuto, a New Zealand-spec, right-hand-drive example will be used for validation and development.

"The first one came from New Zealand, so it’s a right-hand drive example, and it’s about reproducing this plus making improvements for Australia’s unique conditions," explained BossCap Group chief engineer, Chris Fostineo, to GoAuto.

Following the recent collapse of FCEV Class 8 semi manufacturers Nikola and Hyzon Motors, the U.S. market for hydrogen-powered semis has flatlined. Many Nikola Tre FCEV semi owners, including Coyote Container's Bill Hall, can no longer afford the hydrogen to fuel their rigs, and have since removed them from service.

State-level environmental agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB), have not yet come up with a realistic solution.

Meanwhile, Australia and several EU nations are continuing to pursue hydrogen fueling opportunities and addressing and aim to solve ongoing issues.

"This partnership is a testament to what is possible when global innovation meets local ingenuity," said Edward Kocwa, CEO of BOSSCAP Group, the parent company of AMQ. "We’re proud that Advanced Manufacturing Queensland, a 100% Australian Owned business, is not only leading this transformative project but also supporting close to 100 skilled local jobs right here in Brisbane. Our team is passionate about building Australia’s future in clean transport, right here at home."

Jay Traugott has covered the automotive and transportation sector for over a decade and now serves as Senior Editor for Clean Trucking. He holds a drifting license and has driven on some of the world's best race tracks, including the Nurburgring and Spa. He lives near Boulder, Colorado and spends his free time snowboarding and backcountry hiking. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Hydrogen Fuel Cell & BEV Survey

The following survey was sent as a link in an email cover message in February 2023 to the newsletter lists for Overdrive and CCJ. After approximately two weeks, a total of 176 owner-operators under their own authority, 113 owner-operators leased or assigned to a carrier and 82 fleet executives and 36 fleet employees from fleets with 10 or more power units had completed and submitted the questionnaire for a total of 407 qualified responses. Cross-tabulations based on respondent type are provided for each question when applicable.

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