Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hyundai Motor’s NEXO hydrogen car wins top safety rating in Europe
Hyundai Motor's all-new NEXO hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Lee Min-hyung
Hyundai Motor’s all-new NEXO hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV has received the highest five-star rating in the latest European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) safety evaluation, proving the carmaker’s long-standing commitment to safety and zero emission mobility, the company said Sunday.
The vehicle posted top-tier results across all major evaluation categories, including adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection and safety assist technologies. The achievement extends Hyundai’s recent five-star streak, following the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 9 electric vehicles (EVs).
In adult occupant tests, the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, with good protection of the knees, femurs and all critical body regions for both driver and passenger, the carmaker said.
The NEXO hydrogen car also delivered strong performance in the full-width rigid barrier test, achieved maximum points in the side barrier test and provided effective far-side occupant protection through its center airbag.
The carmaker said the child occupant protection performance was also equally strong. The six- and 10-year-old dummies showed good protection in all critical body areas in both frontal and side-impact tests.
The latest achievement highlights the carmaker’s long-term pursuit of hydrogen technology and safety innovation, according to Hyundai Motor.
“The new five-star result underscores our continuous advancement in fuel-cell engineering, crash protection and customer-focused safety technology, setting a benchmark in the global fuel-cell EV segment,” a Hyundai official said.
Euro NCAP is Europe’s most trusted independent organization for evaluating vehicle safety. Established in 1997, Euro NCAP has become a global leader in encouraging improved automotive safety standards.