Car-makers urge governments to implement hydrogen infrastructure

Global automakers such as Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Hyundai, Honda and Nissan have come together in order to urge governments and energy companies to develop an easily accessible and affordable hydrogen infrastructure to ensure the successful introduction of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV's) into the global marketplace.

Auto-companies believe that the technology will be readily available in the future, but it's up to the governments and energy industries to push the technology to make sure it is in place.

"This technology is coming, however steps need to be taken to ensure that it will work efficiently once it does arrive," says Philip Eustace, Hyundai New Zealand Executive Director.

"Governments around the world and our own have been pushing the automotive industry for quite some time to produce environmentally friendly vehicles in greater numbers, however, there needs to be infrastructure put in place on their behalf to make it all work."

It is hoped that a hydrogen infrastructure network will be established by 2015, not just to support large public transport systems but something to work at an individual consumer level to power the fleet of FCEVs many car firms are working on to improve their environmental standing.

Hyundai, for example, plans to expand its demonstrator fleet of FCEV's to 200 units by 2010, including SUVs and city buses; then slowly ramp up production starting in 2012 reducing CO2 emissions and fossil fuel dependency.

The push for a hydrogen infrastructure comes just before the Frankfurt Motor Show, where car companies will be showing off their latest eco-models.

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