Pocahontas Stays Green With Honda's Hydrogen Car

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – May 20, 2009: Actress and Environmental Youth Leader Q’orianka Kilcher, who played Pocahontas in the movie “The New World”, has taken delivery of the next-generation Honda FCX Clarity.

Recently completing a two-year lease as one of the first Honda FCX Clarity customers, Q’orianka is the first original owner to make the transition to the next-generation hydrogen vehicle.

The actress and winner of numerous environmental youth awards is the world’s youngest Honda FCX Clarity owner at 19 years old and was only 17 when she received the original FCX Clarity, which is the first and only car she has ever driven.

"Since my first car was the Honda FCX Clarity, I am proud to say that I have never pumped a gallon of gasoline,” said Kilcher.

“As a young person, I feel it is my responsibility to always try my best to think about the consequences of my actions and choices as a consumer and the impact they have on our planet,” she said.

Launched in the US in July 2008, the FCX Clarity was the first hydrogen car certified for regular commercial use by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The next-generation Honda FCX Clarity is propelled by a motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell. The vehicle's only emission is water and its fuel efficiency is more than two times that of a modern petrol-powered cars.

Other well-known Honda FCX Clarity drivers include Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Laura Harris from television show 24 and film producer Ron Yerxa.

Honda Australia’s Managing Director and CEO Mr. Yasuhide Mizuno, said that while there were no immediate plans to import the FCX Clarity to Australia, it was part of Honda Australia’s long term vision.

“The lack of infrastructure in Australia is the biggest hurdle at present, however the Clarity shows that Honda is introducing the future to the world today.

“Honda has been a world leader in producing low emission vehicles, dating back to the original Civic in 1972 with its ultra-clean CVCC engine. We’ve introduced hybrid and natural gas powered cars and in the future it is our vision to provide the world with the ultimate emissions-free car, the FCX Clarity,” Mr. Mizuno said.

Honda pioneered hybrid technology in Australia, introducing its first hybrid vehicle, the first generation Honda Insight in 2000 and remains committed to providing sustainable options to drivers.

Currently offering the stylish Honda Civic Hybrid, Australia’s most affordable hybrid, Honda Australia plans to expand its offering with the second-generation Honda Insight, set to hit Australian shores in the near future.