Toyota Motor Corporation confirmed on Friday (August 29th) that it will commence the leasing of its new fuel cell hybrid car in September.

The Ministry of Employment will receive its first unit of the FCHV-adv fuel cell car today (September 1st), as a 30-month rental worth 840,000 yen begins.

The company has confirmed that the new model will offer better performance in cold conditions and will boast greater fuel efficiency than its predecessor, the FCHV model.

For instance, the new five-seater will provide 830km worth of travel without the need to refuel - an upgrade of 500km - while it will be able to reach speeds of 155km/h.

The rolling out of the FCHV-adv - which is being aimed at central and local governments plus energy-related firms - follows the transportation ministry giving it the green light to be mass produced back in June.

Officials at the Japanese automaker also confirmed that users will be asked to provide data to allow research into the widespread use of fuel cell vehicles to be advanced.

Source:
Toyota to Start Leasing New Fuel Cell Hybrid Car (29/08/08)
http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=19598