Nissan Donates Fuel Cell Vehicle to Museum

Los Angeles, California [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Car manufacturer Nissan hopes that a little piece of the company will go down in history. The company has donated a display version of its Xterra Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

The body of the vehicle mock-up is raised up, revealing the fuel cell technology underneath. It will be on display beginning with the opening of the forthcoming Alternative Power Exhibition at the museum. The Petersen Automotive Museum, recognized internationally for its innovative design, is dedicated to the interpretive study of the automobile and its influence on our culture and lives. Encompassing more than 300,000 square feet, its exhibits and lifelike dioramas feature more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. “We are pleased to donate this important piece of automotive technology to such an important organization. Nissan values museums like the Petersen with a strong focus on educational programs,” said Jack Collins, the vice president of product planning for Nissan North America. “Nissan is actively engaged in the development of many clean technologies such as fuel cell vehicles, which will be a clean power source for the future.” The Xterra FCV is a vital component to the Nissan Green Program 2005, according to the company. The Nissan Green Program is an action plan for the company’s efforts in technology development and recycling strategy, among other initiatives. It employs elements of a variety of technologies, including electric vehicle (EV) technology, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology, and compressed natural gas vehicle (CNGV) technology. The Xterra FCV hydrogen-powered vehicle is part of Nissan’s ongoing fuel cell vehicle (FCV) development efforts. Nissan is engaged in a wide range of research and development activities that are aimed at popularizing the use of FCVs. The compnay and has conducted public-road driving tests in the U.S. since April 2001 using prototype FCVs, and in Japan since December 2002.