Gerhard Schroeder, the German Chancellor, is understood to have taken delivery of a fuel cell-powered F-Cell car, in a sign of the growing prominence of the new technology in Europe's largest automotive market.

Developed by DaimlerChrysler, Bloomberg reports that the vehicle is for use in the Chancery's car pool.

The order for the vehicle, modelled on the Mercedes A-Class car, coincides with a similar demand from California's South Coast Air Quality Management District last week which marked DaimlerChrysler's first sale of its fuel cell vehicle range.

The A-Cell, with its fuel cell system located on the floor of the vehicle, boasts a healthy top speed of around 140kmph and a range of 160 km.

Explaining the reason behind his order, Chancellor Schroeder said: "I just came back from a press conference at which the effect of oil prices played a major role."

"This car shows that we are on the right track."

The Chancery is understood to be leasing the vehicle under the agreement for everyday use, testing the ability of the car to handle bumper-to-bumper traffic and stop-and-go driving conditions.