Honda Motor Co. Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) and the Hokkaido Prefectural Government announced an agreement where Honda will lease to the Prefecture the next-generation Honda FC stack-equipped FCX fuel cell vehicle, which is capable of starting in sub-freezing temperatures. The vehicle is to be delivered at the end of January 2005. Honda is also commissioning the Prefecture's participation in the ongoing road testing of the new FCX and the collection of data relevant to its sub-freezing temperature start-up and operational capabilities and hydrogen supply.
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Transport and Infrastructure previously certified the next-generation Honda FC stack-equipped FCX fuel cell vehicle for use on public roads, and Honda is planning to lease vehicles to customers in various regions, including those experiencing cold winter weather, in 2005. The operation of the vehicle by the third-party Hokkaido Prefecture is seen as an opportunity to verify the performance of the FCX in various winter driving conditions.
