Hyundai is this week offering media and the public the chance to drive its ix35 Fuel Cell, as the European Hydrogen Road Tour passes through the UK.

Supported by a host of organisations and other car makers, the European HydrogenRoad Tour has visited several European cities, including Hamburg and Hannover in Germany, Bolzano in Italy, and Paris. In addition to Cardiff and London, the Tour is visiting Bristol and Swindon, where hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is already in place. The ultimate aim of the road tour is to reach politicians, industry leaders, media and the public to help promote investment in hydrogen infrastructure across Europe.

Hyundai’s updated ix35 Fuel Cell was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and is the halo vehicle in Hyundai’s ‘Blue Drive’ sub-brand which comprises low-emissions versions of the company’s models. Hyundai will produce 1,000 examples of the car, making it the first global car maker to begin commercial rollout of zero-emission vehicles, with delivery to public and private fleets taking place between 2013 and 2015. Hyundai is committed to bringing the car to full production from 2015, with a goal of producing 10,000 units.

Tony Whitehorn, president and ceo of Hyundai Motor UK commented, “Hyundai is committed to being the industry leader in eco-friendly mobility. We have previously given ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles to the European Parliament to use for test-drives, and we have also taken part in numerous zero-emission events and tests across the continent, proving their practicality, safety and usability. The European Hydrogen Road Tour now enables us to give the public a great opportunity to test these incredible cars, which we believe can help create a society with a sustainable energy supply and zero-emission mobility.”