At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept car was unveiled. Although the show did not feature Mazda MX6 parts, Mazda had stolen the show when it introduced the RX-8 rotary engine system that was designed to run on two different fuels, hydrogen and oxygen.
Following the success of the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Japan last March, Mazda Motor Corporation will introduce the RX-8 Hydrogen RE at ONS2006 (Offshore Northern Seas 2006). ONS2006 is an energy exhibition that will take place in Stavanger, Norway from August 22 to 25. The exhibition will present the international concern for energy conservation and the challenges encountered in the energy industry.
Together with ONS2006, the national HyNor project will open the first hydrogen filling station in Norway to promote the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.
“The hydrogen station in Stavanger is the first step on a long and exciting journey for hydrogen, and we are very proud to have Mazda in attendance at the grand opening. Hydrogen has always suffered from the classic chicken and egg debate. Manufacturers of cars wait for a fuel distribution network to be installed, and fuel suppliers wait for the cars to be produced. In the end we decided to take a risk and build the first station and as you can see the first cars have already arrived, “he said. Brage W. Johansen, Manager of Hydrogen Group, Statoil ASA and member of the HyNor National Board.
Mazda’s research and development of the hydrogen rotary engine began in 1991 and the first public road test of the hydrogen rotary engine took place in 2004. The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE features a unique fuel system consisting of a high pressure hydrogen tank. . The rotary engine of the Mazda RX-8 allows the use of hydrogen fuel and gasoline. The use of hydrogen fuel offers a reliable s
James Muir, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe said: “Mazda is serious when it comes to developing alternative fuel vehicles. Proof of this is that we will be driving to a new hydrogen filling station in Norway in a car that will not It is a prototype, but a model that Mazda has started leasing to regional government authorities and companies in Japan. It uses gasoline and hydrogen at the flick of a switch. It is safe and fun to drive. With several countries in Europe starting to invest in hydrogen infrastructure, Mazda’s RX-8 Hydrogen RE represents an important step towards eventual mass production. “