WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., February 6, 2003 – The hydrogen-powered Honda FCX, the only fuel cell vehicle certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and U.S. EPA for every day commercial use, joined the White House's ceremony on the Freedom Fuel Initiative today in Washington D.C.

American Honda executive vice president Tom Elliott and vice president of Honda R&D Americas, Ben Knight are expected to brief President Bush and Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham on Honda's hydrogen-powered FCX. Currently, Honda is working with the City of Los Angeles under a two-year lease agreement, where the City of LA pays $500 a month to lease the first of five Honda FCX models, with the other four vehicles scheduled for delivery in 2003. Los Angeles City employees will use these fuel cell vehicles on a day-to-day basis, just like any other pool vehicle for practical, everyday use. This test fleet will provide Honda with valuable, real world knowledge on the use and operation of fuel cells. In addition, Honda has contracted with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with local operations in El Segundo, California, to provide the hydrogen fuel and refueling infrastructure.

"Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles hold great promise for future clean air vehicles, while at the same time reducing our global dependence on oil," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "At Honda, we believe it is our responsibility to advance our technology towards a cleaner environment, and the fact that the Honda FCX is actually on the road today is a giant step in that direction."

Honda plans to lease about 30 fuel cell cars in California and Japan during the next two to three years. The company currently has no plans, however, for mass-market sales of fuel cell vehicles or sales to individuals.

Both CARB and the EPA have certified the Honda FCX as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV). The FCX uses hydrogen supplied to a fuel cell "stack" to generate electricity that powers its electric motor.

With an output of up to 80 horsepower and 201 foot-pounds of torque, acceleration is similar to a Honda Civic. Water vapor is the only exhaust. The FCX has an EPA certified range of 160 miles and seating for four people, making it practical for a wide range of real-world applications.

Honda undertook fuel cell research in 1989 and has been road testing vehicles in the United States since 1999. Honda has also been a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership based in Sacramento, California, since 1999.