Nissan's (Nasdaq: NSANY) hydrogen-fuel-cell research vehicle, along with several fuel-cell vehicles from other manufacturers, made a stop today at Nissan's Smyrna Test Track as part of an historic two-week cross-country trip.

The 13-day, 31-city Hydrogen Tour is traveling from Portland, Maine, to Los Angeles and is designed to showcase the commercial viability of environmentally friendly fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs).

"We are excited to showcase innovations today to enable zero-emissions mobility in the future," said Bill Krueger, senior vice president, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management and Total Customer Satisfaction, Nissan North America, Inc.

"Nissan is committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles and has demonstrated that through our ongoing advancements in fuel-cell technology."

Today's stop, the 24th on the tour, provided invited guests an unprecedented, hands-on driving experience with the tour's fuel-cell vehicles. Guests were also able to witness the safe and easy refueling process for FCVs.

Nissan is nearing the end of the research-and-development phase on the fuel stack. Last week, Nissan announced the development of the latest generation fuel cell, which doubles the power density, costs 35% less and is 25% smaller than the previous stack.

"I commend Nissan's commitment to the environment and zero-emission vehicles," said U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, who chairs the House Science and Technology Committee.

"Nissan is demonstrating that tomorrow's technology is here today and can help our nation become more energy independent."

The Hydrogen Tour is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Energy, California Fuel Cell Partnership and the National Hydrogen Association.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.

Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.
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