Leading car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler has revealed it intends to have at least 100 hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles on the road by the start of 2005.

The automotive manufacturer is targeting late 2004/early 2005 as a key date for the commercial development of the fuel cell market, according to Fuel Cell Works.

The goal was announced by the manager of Chrysler division's fuel cell programme, Doanh Tran, who went on to say that around 60 of the vehicles will be refitted Mercedes A-Class cars known as F-Cells.

The remainder of the quota will be made up of fuel cell powered city buses across Europe and three Dodge Sprinter vans for use in the US.

Speaking during an engineering briefing at DaimlerChrysler's Michigan headquarters, Mr Tran said he expects real hydrogen-powered cars to be commercially ready for the US market by 2015.

In addition to its fuel cell programme, DaimlerChrysler is also launching a forthcoming diesel powered version of the Jeep Liberty SUV, whilst plans are in place for the creation of a hybrid vehicle within the next few years.