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GM and Honda team up to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cells

General Motors and Honda are to establish a joint venture to mass produce advanced hydrogen fuel cell systems in the US from 2020.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Although GM is yet to launch a fuel cell car, the 2017 Honda Clarity went on sale in the US last month following its spring 2016 launch in Japan.

The two carmakers are investing $85m (£67.8m) each in the joint venture, which will be named Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC and will operate within GM’s existing battery pack manufacturing facility site in Brownstown, Michigan, south of Detroit.

Honda and GM have been collaborating since 2013 on a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems.

“The combination of two leaders in fuel cell innovation is an exciting development in bringing fuel cells closer to the mainstream of propulsion applications,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, global product development, purchasing and supply chain. “The eventual deployment of this technology in passenger vehicles will create more differentiated and environmentally friendly transportation options for consumers.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.