Originally published January 19 2005
Hybrid auto technology hits commercial milestone; Honda becomes first company to lease fuel cell powered car
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
An historic lease of a fuel cell powered car has heated up the race among automakers to build more fuel efficient vehicles. Honda Motor Co. played up the lease to an individual in the United States in an effort to show how far hybrid technology has come in recent months. The company's nearest competitor in the field, Hyundai Motor Co. says it's not sure when it will have fuel cell cars available commercially. Fuel cell technology produces electricity out of water, and that, along with a little gasoline, propels the vehicle.
A GMC Sierra hybrid pickup is shown on display during media previews this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
For hybrid vehicles at this year's auto show, the "wow" factor is over.
Automakers now have to do the tough work of increasing sales by continually improving hybrid engines and educating consumers, who may be skeptical about the benefits of hybrids.
DETROIT --- The 2005 North American International Auto Show didn't set a stage just for automakers to showcase new products but also to touch on research advancements for better vehicle fuel efficiency.
Honda Motor Co. announced Tuesday that it would be the first automaker to lease a vehicle powered by a fuel cell to an individual consumer in the United States.
Takeo Fukui, Honda's chief executive officer, said the company decided to lease a 2005 FCX to a customer to demonstrate how far the technology has progressed.
"This is not something you're going to see tomorrow, but it's an important vehicle because it has low emission," said Hyundai spokesman Christopher Hosford.
GM, which has taken an aggressive stance on the technology, says it could be ready to commercialize by 2010.
However hybrids, which include models like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, represent demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Prius was in high demand last year as gas prices soared, particularly during the first six months of the year.
Worldwide figures hovered at about 50 million.
To increase the market, manufacturers will have to figure out how to broaden appeal for hybrids, he said.
CSM Worldwide is forecasting that figure will climb to 300,000 by 2007 and then to 600,000 by 2009.
The firm is also tracking some 25 nameplates that will be hybrid versions of existing vehicles.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml