Chrysler
Chrysler has a long history of fuel cell research. In 1998, Chrysler built the Natrium concept. The Natrium was the first functional fuel cell-powered vehicle with on-board hydrogen reformation. The concept car was based on the popular Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The on board reformation system addressed the issues with range and storage of hydrogen gas by accumulating hydrogen in a solid form and releasing it when needed.

Multiple hydrogen fuel cell-powered concept vehicles have been built by Chrysler engineers. When Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz merged in 1998 to become DaimlerChrysler and the two companies combined efforts on fuel cell technology. Together, they operated the largest fuel cell vehicle fleet in the world – more than 100 fuel cell vehicles gaining valuable practical experience through day-to-day operations. Chrysler supports the California Hydrogen Highway and the Department of Energy Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Program. These collaborations enable Chrysler and its partners to gain extensive operational familiarity with fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations.

Chrysler pioneered fuel cell vehicle technology more than 10 years ago. Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a catalyst and oxygen. This clean technology operates at a high level of efficiency and is true zero-emission. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water vapor as exhaust. Fuel cell systems are part of Chrysler's advanced-propulsion technology umbrella, which includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels and hybrid powertrain systems. www.chrysler.com

Daimler
Fuel cell technology is a key element of Daimler’s powertrain strategy – alongside efficient internal combustion engines with hybrid options and alternative fuels. As a pioneer in this technology, Daimler started its research and development activities in the mid-1990’s.

Currently, more than one hundred Daimler fuel cell vehicles are in service on four continents around the world. Together they have clocked up a great deal more than two million miles as they go about their daily business. The fleet includes 60 Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cells operating in the U.S., Germany, Japan and Singapore. The top workhorses are the 36 Citaro fuel cell urban buses that have been in service in ten European cities, Beijing, China and Perth, Australia since May 2003.

These fuel cell vehicles are part of a worldwide field trial to further develop the technology to a volume production level by seeing how the vehicles perform under real-world conditions. In addition, they are also incorporated into a variety of cooperative endeavors which are examining not only the fuel cell drive itself, but hydrogen technology as a whole. One important example of this is The California Fuel Cell Partnership, of which Daimler is a founding member.www.daimler.com

Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is aggressively pursuing and implementing advancements that reduce the emissions impact of vehicles on the environment. Sustainable Mobility Technologies is dedicated to engineering fuel cell vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions and may eventually replace conventional vehicles. As a result, we've taken a leadership role in moving fuel cell technology from the laboratory into vehicles on the road. Ford's P2000 and Focus FCV fuel cell electric vehicles are powered by hydrogen, the earth's cleanest, most abundant fuel--an infinitely sustainable energy source. Fuel cell vehicles offer the same safety, performance, and ease of use as today's combustion vehicles. www.ford.com

 

General Motors
At General Motors, we are committed to both the transportation that improves people's lives and the environment that sustains us. This is a vision we call sustainable mobility, one in which vehicles pollute less, consume less, and improve the quality of our lives even more. Although GM has pioneered many fundamental automotive technologies that have drastically reduced exhaust emissions during the last 30 years (down over 98% for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and 90% for oxides of nitrogen), we believe the ultimate solution lies in hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles. That's why GM is spending the largest portion of its research and development budget to commercialize fuel cell technology. Among several other advancements in this area, GM's fuel cell vehicle development has resulted in the Hy-Wire, the world's first drivable vehicle that combines a hydrogen fuel cell with by-wire technology. Our goal is to establish the commercial viability of compelling, affordable fuel cell vehicles by 2010, and to be the first automaker to profitably sell one million fuel cell vehicles. Until fuel cells are produced in large numbers, however, hybrid propulsion systems will be a key element of GM's advanced technology plans. Hybrid technologies will provide an important bridge to a hydrogen economy and fuel cell systems that power our vehicles, and even our homes and business. Although significant technical and business challenges must be addressed on the way to a hydrogen economy, GM already has about 600 people working on fuel cell technology at its three U.S. facilities in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.; Warren, Mich.; and Torrance, Calif. GM also has a research facility in Mainz-Kastel, Germany; and offices in Tokyo. www.gmability.com

 

Honda
Honda has a longstanding track record of advancing environmental technologies that focus on the primary societal concerns surrounding vehicle transportation, air quality, fuel economy and energy alternatives. Honda joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership in October 1999 to help demonstrate the potential of fuel cell vehicles and refueling infrastructure. The Honda FCX fuel cell vehicles operating at the California Fuel Cell Partnership were first proven in this cooperative testing environment before placing them in the hands of real-world customers. Today, FCX’s on the road are the latest in a long line of models the company has developed to reduce the impact vehicles have on the environment. In December of 2002 Honda became to first automaker to lease a government certified fuel cell car for daily commercial operation on public roads. On that day, the first of five FCX’s became part of the City of Los Angeles fleet, seeing daily use in City Government business. In 2005 the FCX became the first ever fuel cell vehicle leased to an individual customer with a second individual customer added in 2006. The FCX incorporates many of the technological developments Honda has pioneered over the years and continues to evolve rapidly. The FCX combines an advanced Honda designed and engineered fuel cell power system with a compact, high torque drive motor. Responsive takeoff and acceleration, as well as high energy efficiency were achieved by the combination of a high-output Honda fuel cell stack with the powerful instantaneous discharge capabilities of a Honda developed Ultra Capacitor. This advanced fuel cell powerplant integrates regenerative braking energy recovery with a highly efficient energy management system to further improve fuel economy and range. In 2008 Honda began limited production of an all new fuel cell car, "FCX Clarity" targeted primarily for leasing to private individuals. This newest generation powerplant features an advanced Honda "V-Flow" fuel cell stack that is 30% lighter, 20% smaller, offers 100kw output, and a power/density improvement of 50%. Driving range has been increased 30% from 210 to 280 miles, using 5,000 psi gaseous hydrogen. With sub-freezing startup temperatures as low as -22F, it is a practical vehicle for a wide range of real-world applications. Honda continues research on hydrogen refueling solutions right-sized for individual vehicle at-home refueling. We encourage you to learn more at: http://fcx.honda.com

Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company strives to be a leader in the era of clean, hydrogen-based energy. The company is developing technology that brings automobiles and nature together to promote a healthier environment. This effort can be seen in the Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicle Development Program. More than 30 Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage FCEVs will be placed into fleet testing programs in the next five years. These second-generation vehicles have overcome many technological hurdles including enhanced range, improved efficiency and they can operate in almost any climate. Research and development of Hyundai fuel cell vehicles takes place at Hyundai’s new Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea. Road testing takes place at the Hyundai Kia Technical Center in Chino, Calif., the California Fuel Cell Partnership headquarters in Sacramento and through Hyundai’s fleet partners. www.hyundai-motor.com

Nissan
Urban air pollution is a major issue of concern today. One source is attributed to vehicle exhaust emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Nissan has taken vigorous steps to protect the environment during vehicle use, such as by improving fuel economy and reducing exhaust emissions. At the same time, Nissan is also developing a wide range of technologies -- from low-emission engines, direct-injection engines and CVT technologies featured in current models, to the future technologies such as Hybrid and Fuel Cells -- aimed at reconciling these issues with the inherent capability of vehicles to provide driving pleasure. Because of their outstanding CO2 reduction, zero-emission performance, and freedom from fossil energy, Nissan regards fuel cells as one of the alternative technologies as a power source for vehicles. However, significant improvements are necessary in terms of cost and practical use before envisioning real mass production. Nissan has embarked on a 5-year program with Renault to develop fuel cells as the ultimate clean power plant. Currently, Nissan is testing an Xterra-based fuel cell vehicle under real world conditions as part of the California Fuel Cell Partnership program. In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. www.nissan-global.com

 

Toyota
Toyota operates under a global Earth Charter that promotes environmental responsibility, recognizing the need for comprehensive approaches to the effective use of resources and the suppression of pollution and global warming. For more than a decade, Toyota has pursued development of an ultimate eco-car that satisfies the needs of a mobile society and is friendly to both people and the earth. In 2002 Toyota began limited marketing of the Toyota FCHV (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle). Fuel cells represent the most promising next-generation power source, but we face many challenges. Toyota hopes global and open exchanges under the spirit of "competition and cooperation" will lead to positive environmental solutions among automobile manufacturers, other industries and administrative organizations.
http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html

 

Volkswagen
As one of the world leaders in helping make the car industry an environmentally responsible one, Volkswagen is excited to be a part of this historic consortium. With the debut of its HyMotion prototype, Volkswagen hopes to further demonstrate its commitment to the Fuel Cell Partnership and making fuel-cell vehicles a reality and a success. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. The fourth-largest producer of passenger cars in the world and Europe's largest, the Volkswagen Group's annual sales approach 5 million units. Volkswagen operates some 35 manufacturing facilities in 15 countries across five continents. Brands in the Volkswagen Group include Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, and most recently Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. In the U.S., Volkswagen has sold more than 12 million cars and has consistently been the top-selling European importer to the United States. Volkswagen joined the CaFCP in October 1999. www.vw.com