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DaimlerChrysler and Japan's Largest Oil Company Agree to Test Fuel Cell Technology

15 October 1999

DaimlerChrysler and Japan's Largest Oil Company Agree to Test Fuel Cell Technology

    TOKYO, Oct. 14 -- DaimlerChrysler Japan Holding, Ltd. and
Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Co., the largest Japanese energy provider, agreed today
to jointly study fuel infrastructure options for fuel cell vehicles.
    The DaimlerChrysler AG subsidiary is planning to test fuel
cell vehicles in Japan.  Nippon Mitsubishi currently has 29 public "Eco-
Stations" in Japan that provide electricity, natural gas, methanol and liquid
petroleum gas.  Initial fuel cell test vehicles will run on methanol, although
the potential for other fuels will be considered.  DaimlerChrysler was the
first automaker to demonstrate driveable fuel cells vehicles running on
hydrogen and methanol, and the Company also is pursuing gasoline reformation.
    Details of the project, including the number of vehicles to be evaluated
and the duration of the program, have yet to be determined.  Both companies
agree the successful market introduction of the new technology requires
cooperation between automotive manufacturers and fuel providers.