Car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler is hoping to have 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on the road by the end of the year, in a bid to promote fuel cell technology.

The company already has 40 vehicles being used by customers worldwide but is hoping to add a further 60 by the start of 2005.

The automotive firm also announced that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is to trial a fuel cell powered F-Cell vehicle as part of its commitment to new technology.

The F-Cell is based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, with the fuel cell system encased in the vehicle's floor, in order to maximise passenger space. The vehicle is capable of a top speed of 85 mph and has a range of approximately 100 miles.

Mark Chernoby, vice president of the advance vehicle engineering division at Chrysler said: "These events exhibit how DaimlerChrysler, BP, Praxair and LAX are taking on the challenge for industries and governments to create viable alternative fuel solutions."

He added: "We're pleased to be a driving force in this team effort to develop fuel cell technology."