9 November 2001: The GM Zafira-based fuel cell concept car, HydroGen1, has given another impressive demonstration of its outstanding abilities at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum, a US competition for environmentally friendly vehicles.

In a strong international field with competitors from almost all European, American and Japanese manufacturers, HydroGen1 was the only fuel cell-powered vehicle to finish the tough, 220-mile course from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Dr Udo Winter, chief engineer at the General Motors/Vauxhall Global Alternative Propulsion Centre (GAPC), described HydroGen1’s success as "an important step on the fuel cell car’s road to market maturity."

Between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the vehicles had to overcome an altitude difference of 4,000 feet and outside temperatures of 90°F (32°C). In individual disciplines on the California Speedway track, HydroGen1 performed extremely well in emissions, noise and handling.

Bernd Zerbe, Project Manager for HydroGen1, said the vehicle's good performance on the slalom course was especially important "because it shows that a hydrogen-powered vehicle can be just as maneuverable and user-friendly as a petrol or diesel powered car."

HydroGen1 was awarded a design trophy for the outstanding integration of the high-tech fuel system into the attractive exterior and interior design. BB