Group 1: Industry Overview - The global automotive industry is experiencing a shift towards electrification, with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) gaining attention due to their zero emissions and long driving range [2] - Major automakers like Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda have invested heavily in hydrogen FCVs, launching models such as Toyota Mirai, Honda Clarity, and Hyundai Nexo [2] - Despite the investments, the hydrogen industry faces challenges, including high purchase prices and operational costs of FCVs, leading to low consumer demand and insufficient hydrogen station utilization [2][3] Group 2: Market Challenges in the U.S. - In California, a lawsuit has been filed against Toyota by hundreds of Mirai owners, claiming the company misled consumers about the convenience of hydrogen refueling [3] - The number of operational hydrogen stations in the U.S. is declining, with only 51 public and 21 private stations reported as of July 2025, significantly below the required infrastructure for widespread FCV adoption [4] - The rising cost of hydrogen, from $13 per kilogram in 2022 to $36 per kilogram in 2024, exacerbates the challenges faced by FCV owners [4] Group 3: European Market Developments - Stellantis has halted its hydrogen fuel cell technology development due to limited refueling infrastructure and high funding requirements, indicating a lack of commercial viability for hydrogen FCVs in the near term [8][9] - The European hydrogen station network is underdeveloped, with only about 250 stations across the EU as of 2024, far below initial targets [11] - Several hydrogen stations in Europe have closed due to profitability issues, highlighting the slow commercialization of hydrogen FCVs [10] Group 4: Japan's Hydrogen Strategy - Japan has been proactive in developing a hydrogen society, with significant government investment in hydrogen infrastructure and FCVs [12] - However, the number of operational hydrogen stations in Japan has decreased from 161 in April 2024 to 151 by July 2025, reflecting operational difficulties [13] - The high cost of hydrogen FCVs, such as the Toyota Mirai priced at approximately ¥7.414 million to ¥8.6108 million, remains a barrier to consumer adoption [13] Group 5: South Korea's Hydrogen Initiatives - South Korea has launched the new generation of Hyundai Nexo, with a price range of 7.644 million to 8.345 million KRW, but faces challenges in infrastructure and safety incidents [17][19] - The number of hydrogen stations in South Korea is 218, but safety concerns and supply chain issues have hindered growth [18] - The South Korean government plans to provide subsidies for 11,000 hydrogen FCVs and 2,000 hydrogen buses by 2025, aiming to enhance infrastructure and reduce costs for users [20]