Significance of Fuel Cell Technology

DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From California's newest hydrogen fueling station on the state's emerging hydrogen highway network, the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) kicked off its third annual road rally, "Crusin' Southern Cal". For the first time in road rally history, all eight of CaFCP's automakers provided fuel cell vehicles for the weekend event. CalEPA Secretary Tamminen, who waved the starter's flag following brief remarks, emphasized the significance of fuel cell technology to California's future.

"Fuel cells offer the promise for a better future for Californians, by providing energy diversity, fuel efficiency and near- or zero- emissions," said Secretary Tamminen. "I am encouraged by the great strides the California Fuel Cell Partnership is making through its unique collaboration and focus on the common goal of commercializing fuel cell vehicles."

South Coast AQMD Chairman Dr. William A. Burke and CaFCP 2004 Chair Firoz Rasul made brief statements at the send-off ceremony as well, each underscoring not only the significance of the expanding hydrogen fueling station infrastructure, but also the importance of the eight automakers presenting their individual vehicles, each developed through mutual collaboration.

The eight CaFCP automakers are providing the following vehicles for the road rally: DaimlerChrysler F-Cell, Ford Focus FCV, General Motors HydroGen3, Honda FCX, Hyundai Santa Fe FCEV, Nissan FCV, Toyota FCHV and Volkswagen HyMotion. CaFCP's energy members will oversee hydrogen refueling and other members will support the events with educational and technical displays.

Following the send-off from Diamond Bar, the "Cruisin' Southern Cal" road rally headed off to its next destination in Long Beach. The full schedule of public ride and drive events is:

* September 17th -- Long Beach Convention Center --

12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

* September 18th -- Orange County Marketplace at Orange County

Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa -- 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

* September 19th -- San Diego County Administration Building --

12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.

In addition to the public ride and drives, "whistle stop" events will be held in several communities along the Pacific Coast Highway.

About the CaFCP

The California Fuel Cell Partnership is a voluntary, industry- government collaboration to advance a new vehicle and fueling technology that could move the world toward practical and affordable environmental solutions. CaFCP members are demonstrating fuel cell- powered electric vehicles under real day-to-day driving conditions; testing alternative fuels and demonstrating the viability of an alternative fuel infrastructure technology; facilitating the path to commercialization; and increasing public awareness of fuel cell electric vehicles. The CaFCP is working to facilitate placement of up to 300 fuel cell passenger cars and buses on the road by the end of 2007.

The CaFCP -- which started in April 1999 -- includes auto manufacturers (DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen); energy providers (Air Products, BP, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, Methanex, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Praxair, Proton Energy Systems, Shell Hydrogen, Stuart Energy, and Ztek); technology companies (Ballard Power Systems and UTC Fuel Cells); government agencies (California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, South Coast AQMD, US Department of Energy, US Department of Transportation and US Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis); and bus transit agencies (AC Transit, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and SunLine Transit Agency).

For more information, please contact the California Fuel Cell Partnership at: 916-371-2870 or by email: info@cafcp.org, or visit www.fuelcellpartnership.org SOURCE California Fuel Cell Partnership