The European Commission-backed Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) have selected the Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle as a demonstration vehicle both to test and promote hydrogen fuel cell technology in a real world environment.
At the FCH JU-organised "Joint Technology Initiatives: Innovation in Action" exhibition in Brussels, it has been announced that the Hyundai ix35 FCEV will be available to test drive until March 2012 by Members of European Parliament, Commissioners, EU officials and other policy makers.
The Hyundai ix35 was debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and features important innovations compared to previous Hyundai FCEV such as 55% driving range improvement and an 80% manufacturing cost reduction.
Hyundai operates a dedicated fuel cell research division at its Eco Technology Research Institute in Korea. Earlier in 2011, Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality of Copenhagen to establish the necessary infrastructure for the supply and use of FCEVs in Denmark.
Maria da Graca Carvalho MEP, Member of the Industry Committee and host of the exhibition Joint Technology Initiatives, said: "Fuel cell vehicles, such as the ix35 FCEV, have great potential to help fight carbon dioxide emissions, reduce our dependence on hydrocarbons and contribute to economic growth. I am sure my fellow members of the European Parliament will embrace the opportunity to test the viability of hydrogen technology."
Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motor Europe, added: "We are delighted that the Hyundai ix35 FCEV has been chosen by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking as its European demonstration vehicle. We fully support efforts by the FCH JU to promote the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technology to leading policymakers and opinion-formers. The announcement today complements the work we have already undertaken with other government bodies around Europe, and by 2012 we hope to operate more than 30 Hyundai ix35 FCEVs across the continent."
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