TOKYO - General Motors Corp., and its Japanese partners - Isuzu, Suzuki and Fuji Heavy Industries - jointly demonstrated their environmentally friendly technologies today in Tokyo.

 　 　 　The companies launched a weeklong demonstration of their latest fuel cell and hybrid propulsion technologies, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engine, clean diesel engine through a series of technical workshops, and ride and drive programs at the Tokyo Fashion Town in Odaiba.

 　 　 　Japanese and International media, as well as lawmakers, academics and leading opinion formers will have the opportunity to experience examples of leading-edge technologies aimed at reducing emissions and improving efficiencies. Among others, GM’s demonstrating technologies are key in its ultimate vision of a hydrogen-based economy with fuel cells as the main source of power for mobile and stationary uses.

 　 　 　“GM and its Japanese Partners have developed a broad range of advanced technology solutions aimed at ultimately getting us to a hydrogen-based economy, run by clean energy fuel cells,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development, and planning. “Japan is a world leader in the development of fuel cell and hybrid technologies. We greatly appreciate the leadership role that the Japanese government has played in this area.”

 　 　 　GM’s revolutionary Hy-wire fuel cell concept is making its debut appearance in Asia. Hy-wire - the world's first drivable vehicle that combines a hydrogen fuel cell system with by-wire technology - allows GM to completely re-invent the automobile.

 　 　 　GM also is showing one member of its global fleet of HydroGen3 fuel cell vehicles. The same vehicle is currently operating as part of the FedEx delivery fleet in Tokyo, making it the first fuel cell vehicle operated for commercial purposes in Japan.

 　 　 　In addition to GM’s Hy-wire and HydroGen3 fuel cell vehicles, the 300 visitors to the GM Technology Tour event also will be able to be exposed to vehicles and experience advanced technologies from Isuzu, Suzuki and FHI as a result of GM group’s collective effort.

 　 　 　“Japan is a key area for GM in developing and positioning fuel cells for commercialization,” said Burns “We’re making impressive progress toward reaching a cost target where fuel cell technologies could be commercially viable.”

 　 　 　In addition to its commercial fuel cell project with FedEx in Tokyo, GM earlier this year announced a partnership with Shell Oil to provide hydrogen refuelling for a fleet of GM HydroGen3s in Washington D.C. Also this year, GM and Dow Chemical Company came to agreement on the world’s largest-ever fuel cell power deal.

 　 　 　Burns says GM expects fuel cell vehicles to be commercially viable by 2010. “That means providing the customer with exciting, compelling vehicles at a price they can afford and one that makes sound business sense for GM.”