Honda To Lease Fuel-Cell Vehicle To California Couple

ENERGY TECH

Jon and Sandy Spallino and their chidren sit in a Honda FCX hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle 29 June, 2005 in Los Angeles California. Marking a historic achievement in the evolution of the automobile and the advancement of future transportation technology, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., leased its revolutionary advanced hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, to the world's first individual customers. Honda said the Spallinos would be among the first individuals to begin using the first of California's Hydrogen Highway refueling stations, a plan announced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. 'The Spallinos will use the FCX in everyday normal use, including commuting to work to Orange County, trips to school for their children, shopping and household errands,' the automaker said in a statement. AFP Photo/Ho

Los Angeles (AFP) Jun 29, 2005
Jon and Sandy Spallino may be turning heads with their new car, since they will be the first on their block - and possibly the world - with a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle.

American Honda Motor, the US unit of the Japanese automaker, said Wednesday it was leasing its hydrogen-powered FCX, to the world's first individual customers, the Spallinos of Redondo Beach, California.

The announcement is part of an effort to showcase the environmentally friendly auto technology.

Honda said it was the only automaker to certify its fuel cell vehicle for regular daily use and the first to offer its technology to an individual customer.

"The Spallinos will use the FCX in everyday normal use, including commuting to work to Orange County, trips to school for their children, shopping and household errands," the automaker said in a statement.

"American Honda Motor Co. is thrilled to introduce the world's first fuel cell family," said John Mendel, senior vice president, automotive operations, for American Honda. "We're pleased to be taking this historic step forward in the further advancement of our fuel cell program.

"With this announcement, Honda furthers its commitment to the continued advancement of this technology for the benefit of society, with the ultimate goal of achieving large-scale commercialization of fuel cell vehicles."

Honda said the Spallinos would be among the first individuals to begin using the first of California's Hydrogen Highway refueling stations, a plan announced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Some automakers have been providing fuel-cell vehicles, which produce electric power from renewable hydrogen, to government agencies but the Honda test is believed to be the first for ordinary consumers.

Analysts say fuel cells represent the future of automotive technology but will require several years to become economical and develop a network of fueling stations.

Honda's has 13 FCX fuel cell vehicles in regular daily use with six public municipal customers in California, New York and Nevada.

"The Spallinos' experience with the FCX will provide Honda engineers with real-world driving experience and feedback by an individual family, which will be invaluable as we design future models," Mendel said.

ENERGY TECH

Analysis: The Gazprom Pipedream?

Moscow (UPI) Jun 29, 2005
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants foreign direct investment, but only as long as it isn't in strategic sectors. He also wants to repair Russia's investment reputation in the wake of the Yukos affair.

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