HD Hyundai Construction Equipment Partners with Iridium for Global Machine Connectivity
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment recently announced it will integrate Iridium satellite IoT services into its Hi MATE remote fleet management system. The move gives Hyundai machines reliable data transmission even in regions without cellular coverage. For contractors who run compact equipment in remote jobsites, this upgrade expands the reach and usefulness of Hyundai’s telematics. From this press release:
“As a leading equipment manufacturer, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment has set the bar high for reliability by adding Iridium’s low-latency, reliable connectivity to Hi MATE, enabling their customers to get critical data regardless of deployment conditions,” said Tim Last, Executive Vice President, Iridium. “With Iridium Short Burst Data [SBD], Hyundai’s customers gain unmatched global coverage and mission-critical reliability, key advantages for equipment operating in even the most remote locations.”
What the Partnership Does
Hi MATE currently tracks machine location, sets geofences and reports diagnostics for Hyundai excavators and wheel loaders. It pulls key data such as engine hours and fuel use. Iridium’s satellite network delivers global coverage with low-latency data transmission. With this integration, Hi MATE can send machine information from anywhere operators place a compact excavator or loader.
The upgrade strengthens several capabilities:
- Real-time status reporting from remote sites
- More consistent predictive maintenance
- Remote diagnostics that speed service decisions
Contractors gain better visibility of equipment that works far from infrastructure, such as on pipeline work, forestry, utilities and undeveloped land.
Hydrogen Investment Signals Big Technology Shifts
The Iridium partnership follows several major Hyundai announcements in 2025. One of the largest: Hyundai Motor Co. broke ground on a $670 million hydrogen fuel cell production facility in Ulsan, South Korea. The plant will produce 30,000 fuel cell units per year by 2027. Hyundai Construction Equipment showcased this technology at bauma 2025. The company displayed its HW155H hydrogen fuel cell wheeled excavator prototype. It runs on a 90 kW fuel cell system and carries low-pressure hydrogen storage in the counterweight. Hyundai also unveiled the HX19e, its first battery electric mini excavator with a 32- or 40-kWh pack and up to 10 hours of runtime. Taken together, these investments show Hyundai exploring both battery-electric and hydrogen paths for zero-emissions compact equipment.
A Major Corporate Restructure Is Coming
HD Hyundai also announced a merger of HD Hyundai Construction Equipment and HD Hyundai Infracore, the parent company of the Develon brand. The unified company will operate as HD Construction Equipment starting January 1, 2026, pending final approvals. In North America, Hyundai and Develon will remain separate brands with independent dealer networks and support teams. The restructure aims to streamline global R&D, improve supply chain efficiency and expand compact equipment offerings across both brands.
The Big Picture
Hyundai is pushing into the next phase of equipment connectivity, electrification and hydrogen power. The Iridium partnership strengthens its telematics infrastructure. Its hydrogen facility signals long-term investment in alternative energy. The upcoming corporate merger sets the stage for faster product development across compact and heavy segments. For compact contractors and rental fleets, these moves point to more connected machines.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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