Hyundai lands local Xcient remanufacturer

HYUNDAI Motor Company has partnered with Advanced Manufacturing Queensland (AMQ), the engineering arm of Australian-owned and operated BossCap Group, for the local remanufacture of the XCIENT Fuel Cell hydrogen truck.

BossCap Group, parent company of AMQ and AUSEV, has made significant headway in recent years with its right-hand-drive conversion and homologation program for the Ford F-150 Lightning, so far producing 300 units for local use.

Now, following a $14 million investment and expansion of its 8000sqm state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in north Brisbane, the company is turning its sights to also validating and re-manufacturing the Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck for local use.

The partnership will involve close collaboration between the two companies, as AMQ re-engineers the truck to suit Australian road conditions and regulatory standards – using a New Zealand-specified right-hand drive example 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,” said BossCap Group chief engineer, Chris Fostineo.

“You go from one extreme here, the mountains where it’s minus 10, and then to the Pilbara where you’ve not only got 50-60 degrees plus radiated ground heat, plus the bulldust which gets into everything.

“There’s really nowhere else like this in the world.”

Mr Fotsineo, who’s previously worked for RMA – remanufacturer of the Ford F-150 – and Premcar, expressed his excitement to work on the Xcient as the emerging technology makes its way onto Australian roads.

“You won’t find systems and technology like this in any other workshop in Australia, because it’s basically an electric drive, a battery – which is an extension of the Lightning – but instead of a CCS 2 port you’ve got two hydrogen fuel cells and a compressed hydrogen fuel system,” he said.

“It’s got all of the technical challenges that of course come with that. It’s a very different project and I don’t remember being this excited about a vehicle.”

BossCap Group chief executive, Edward Kocwa, told GoAuto the partnership is a natural progression for the company, highlighting the unique capabilities of Australia’s manufacturing industry.

“Hyundai is the world’s third-largest automaker, so the fact they’re partnering with us showcases what we’re capable of, and is a testament to what’s possible when global innovation meets local ingenuity,” Mr Kocwa said.

“We’re proud that Advanced Manufacturing Queensland, a 100 per cent 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.”

Hyundai Motor Company emphasised a commitment to local collaboration, as it works with AMQ to validate the Xcient for Australia’s long-distance transport task.

“Australia is an important market for Hyundai, especially in the advancement of hydrogen mobility,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive, Don Romano.

“We are proud to work with Advanced Manufacturing Queensland on this historic milestone. Their expertise, innovation and local footprint made them the ideal partner to bring this hydrogen truck to Australian roads for the first time.”