BMW could launch its first bi-fuel part hydrogen-powered car before the end of the year, according to reports.

Comments by one of the carmaker's executives suggest that a small number of motorists could be driving the next generation, environmentally friendly vehicles this year, ahead of the previously announced timetable.

Last month BMW said it expected to launch a part hydrogen-powered car in the next two years.

But a report on the Green Car Congress website, citing comments made by BMW's senior vice president of science and traffic policy, Christoph Huss, suggests the company could be ahead of schedule.

Mr Huss is said to have made the remarks at the NHA National Hydrogen Conference and Expo in California earlier this week

Hydrogen technology offers a means of powering private vehicles without the need for fossil fuels, reducing the impact of driving on the environment.

There have already been a number of successful pilots using the technology to power buses and other vehicles.

BMW is a keen supporter of hydrogen combustion engines and believes that hydrogen will one day "replace traditional fuels" without motorists having to compromise on what they expect from a car.


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