GENERAL Motors launched its first road-going hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show and the Zafira will be the lead car for the marathon at this year's Olympic Games in Sydney. The Opel/Vauxhall Zafira fuel cell vehicle is the latest step in the evolution towards emission-free vehicles and the mini-MPV has a range of about 400 kilometres and a top speed of 87mph.

Unlike General Motors' two previous fuel cell projects, the Zafira is different because it eliminates the need to convert methanol to hydrogen on-board. Instead, energy is obtained directly from hydrogen which overcomes the need to store hydrogen on-board, reduces the weight of the vehicle and extends its range. The conversion of the Zafira to a fuel cell vehicle which emits only water vapour eliminates its third row of seats and also reduces the load area behind the rear seats.

In launching the vehicle, General Motors' president and chief operating officer Rick Wagoner said: 'No one future fuel solution is certain so we must work on all fronts.' GM hopes to have a fuel cell vehicle on the market in four or five years' time.