Mazda Delivers RX-8 Hydrogen RE Validation Vehicle to HyNor

15 October 2008

Mazda Motor Corporation has delivered the first of approximately 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Rotary Engine) vehicles to Norway’s HyNor project as a validation vehicle. This marks the first time that a Mazda hydrogen rotary vehicle has been put into regular use on public roads outside Japan.

Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding with HyNor (Hydrogen Road of Norway) to participate in the project in 2007. (Earlier post.) HyNor is a national project in the Kingdom of Norway that aims to establish a transport system based on hydrogen fuel. Beginning in fiscal year 2009, Mazda will provide approximately 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles for the HyNor project under commercial lease contracts.

The RX-8 Hydrogen RE validation vehicle is being delivered in advance so that Mazda and HyNor can jointly assess its driving performance in Norway. It will also be exhibited at environmental and other events for potential customers who are interested in leasing a hydrogen vehicle.

HyNor is a Norwegian initiative to demonstrate the implementation of a hydrogen energy infrastructure along a 580-kilometer (360-mile) route from Oslo to Stavanger in Norway. (Earlier post.) Hydrogen filling stations are being established along this transport corridor to enable refueling of hydrogen vehicles.