Celebrities from all over Europe are to take part in a massive fuel cell-powered convoy spanning the length and breadth of Europe on May 3rd 2004.

Brand new hydrogen-powered prototypes manufactured by General Motors and Opel will lead the field.

The journey, starting in Hammerfest, Norway and finishing in Lisbon, Portugal, will cover 14 countries and a distance of approximately 10,000 kilometres.

The manufacturers of the car claim the journey will subject the car to as many different driving conditions as possible and should test durability when undertaking long distances.

According to the manufacturers, the celebrity drivers also play their part.

"The choice of drivers demonstrates that our experiment is taking place under absolutely realistic conditions", said Dr Byron McCormick, executive director of GM Fuel Cell Activities.

The car will stop in 14 cities during the journey. A travelling exhibition will also be available to those wishing to learn more about the new fuel-cell vehicle and lectures will be held on hydrogen technology at local universities.

Several types of fuel cell produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen over a platinum catalyst.