WITH Britain grinding to a halt as fuel pumps ran dry, Vauxhall's sister company Holden showcased a hydrogen-fuelled zero-emission concept vehicle based on the Zafira mini-MPV at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games which opened on Friday.

The Zafira, known as HydroGen1 will lead the men's and women's Olympic marathons in Sydney. Pollutant-free and emitting only water vapour, the five-seater HydroGen1 is propelled by a 75 hp electric motor and is capable of a top speed of 87mph and a range of 250 miles. The electric current is generated by a fuel stack which consumes hydrogen which is carried in a 75-litre tank.

General Motors' researchers and engineers predict high-volume production of fuel cell vehicles is achievable this decade. General Motors is talking to companies about launching a demonstration hydrogen-fuelled car fleet.