An automotive show in India is set to highlight the potential and benefits of fuel cell technology to one of the largest car markets in Asia.

At the forthcoming Auto Expo in New Delhi, hybrid and fuel cell cars are set to make their debut in the country as car makers look to target the country.

According to the Economic Times, Honda will launch its Insight hybrid vehicle at the event, as well as its FCX fuel cell car, and the company will be the first major manufacturer to bring fuel cell vehicles into the Indian market.

"The rising fuel prices and growing concern about the environment has already made these vehicles a rage among buyers in the developed world," explained a source.

However, the technology remains relatively unknown in India and the source suggested that Honda is looking to steal a march on its rivals by introducing the concept of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles to the market ahead of other manufacturers.

The high duty structure in countries such as India has meant that many companies have so far shied away from putting the technology on the market in less-developed countries, because these duties mean such vehicles will be out of the price range of the majority of consumers in the country.

Despite these concerns, both Toyota and Ford are already looking at ways to make fuel cell and hybrid vehicles commercially viable in India and could soon follow in Honda's footsteps by introducing the technology to the country.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd