Honda has begun the production of the new FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and has also announced the first fuel cell vehicle dealership network.

The car is being produced at the Honda Automobile New Model Centre, where a new assembly line has been constructed for the integration of technologies such as a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen tank.

Ron Yerxa, a film producer, is set to take delivery of the first model in July and four other leasers, including actress Jamie Lee Curtis, are also waiting for their vehicles.

To aid customers who have bought the vehicle, Honda has set up the dealerships in southern California, providing outstanding sales and service support.

John Mendel, Executive Vice President of American Honda, said: "This is an important day in the history of fuel cell vehicle technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel cell cars will be part of the mainstream."

Honda is aiming to produce 200 of the cars over the next three years and they run on a process combining hydrogen and oxygen to emit water vapour.

According to the firm, the vehicle offers three times better fuel efficiency than a standard petrol car.



Source:

Production Begins for the New FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle, 16/06/08
http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080616New-FCX-Clarity/http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080616First-FCX-Clarity/

Honda rolls out new zero-emission car, 16/06/08
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5is-WLvgmNMniTcwwWeDWidZkWRKwD91B8G8O0

Honda makes first hydrogen cars, 16/06/08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7456141.stm