Automotive manufacturer Honda has announced plans to deliver a fuel cell sports vehicle for the public by 2009.

The company's president, Takeo Fukui, has revealed that the firm is looking to mass produce the FCX fuel cell model in the next three years, with "limited" sales of the vehicle beginning in Japan and the US in the next two years.

First launched as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, the FCX sports car will deliver a top speed of 100 mph and will have the capacity to run for 356 miles before needing to be refuelled.

The announcement demonstrates Honda's determination to lead the clean fuel car market, with no other manufacturer having yet developed a fuel cell vehicle which has such a long range.

Mr Fukui commented: "Fuel-cell vehicles will be the ultimate green vehicle."

Honda has worked to significantly reduce the size of the fuel cell without cutting down on its range and performance. The fuel cell is now no larger than an ordinary V-6 engine, representing a 40 per cent reduction in size since the model was unveiled as a concept car last year.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd