Steel, used to make our cars, is one of the most polluting materials on the planet — making up 11% of global carbon emissions. But there is a solution: green steel, made with renewable energy instead of coal and fossil gas. Transitioning to green steel is crucial for a clean and sustainable future.
As one of the world’s largest automakers, Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis) has the power to drive this change. While Hyundai has pledged to go carbon neutral, its steel production still relies entirely on coal and gas — undermining its climate commitments and polluting the world, contributing to climate change. And its major steel supplier, Hyundai Steel, used zero renewable energy in 2023, ranking last in the world amongst major steel companies.
Join us in calling on Hyundai’s executives to take real action by committing to green steel and making their cars cleaner and safer for people and the planet.
Sign the open letter below and demand a safe future, without dirty steel.
Dear Chung Euisun, Chair, Hyundai Motor Group
As Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis owners, prospective customers, and concerned consumers, we ask that Hyundai Motor Group stop using steel made from coal and fossil gas and start manufacturing cars with green steel.
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Hyundai’s commitment to join RE100 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, including in its value chain, is an important first step.
However, building consumer trust requires action, not just promises. In reality, Hyundai Motors continues to rely on coal-based production for its steel. Its major steel supplier, Hyundai Steel, used zero renewable energy in 2022-2023 and ranked last in the world amongst major steel companies on renewable energy use. Hyundai Steel are also building a major new fossil fuel plant, have a weak emissions reduction target of just 12% by 2030, and relies heavily on unproven carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology to address its damaging climate impacts.
Investing in green steel is the answer. Cars made with green steel reduce the severe air pollution caused by coal and gas. By decreasing emissions that claim millions of lives worldwide each year, we protect our health and that of our children.
Competitors like Volvo, GM, and BMW have already made commitments to green steel. The transition to green steel is not just an environmental issue but an essential strategy for future market survival. This would strengthen Hyundai’s position as an environmental leader, proactively respond to strengthening international regulations, and secure the value of Hyundai’s brand. It would also capture the hearts of environmentally conscious young consumers.
We propose three actions for Hyundai Motor Group:
- Publish a high-quality renewable energy procurement plan for Hyundai Steel
- Boldly invest in steel production using green hydrogen and electric furnaces
- Announce a timeline for launching vehicles made with eco-friendly steel, that matches Hyundai Motor’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2045.
Securing the world’s third-largest market share and driving innovations in mobility technology, Hyundai portrays itself as a pioneer in the automotive industry. Green steel will be the most important piece in solidifying this leadership.
Change must start right now. Before it’s too late.
