Automaker Ford and fuel company BP have announced that they are to open a new hydrogen refuelling station in Michigan in the US.

Ford is set to provide Taylor, Michigan with a fleet of fuel cell vehicles to be driven around the city as part of a pilot scheme and has teamed up with BP in a bid to provide a refuelling station designed for the new vehicles.

"The opening of this station represents a step forward for hydrogen as a motor fuel," explained Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research & advanced engineering at Ford.

He added: "We have made much progress in hydrogen propulsion over the past 15 years and this is another excellent milestone to commemorate."

Mr Schmidt also welcomed the move as a step in the right direction towards tackling emission levels across the globe.

He concluded: "This programme is an example of how government, energy companies and the auto industry are working collaboratively to develop alternative fuels."

Ÿ Adfero Ltd