Honda steps up its green dream

5:46pm Sunday 6th May 2007

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HONDA is boosting its green image by promising no landfill from its South Marston factory and bringing fuel-cell cars to the country.

The Japanese car maker is planning to release a limited number of the futuristic green cars by 2009.

It is confident it can bring the complicated fuel cell car, which runs silently, to the country within two years, but said it will be on a small scale.

Managing director Ken Keir, pictured, said: "The Honda FCX fuel cell car will be available in the UK. It is something we will have on offer but there will obviously be infrastructure problems in getting hold of hydrogen for the fuel cells. This is an issue that will have to be addressed as we move into the future.

"Fuel cells are a long way from being economic and some pundits are saying they are still 20 years away. With the FCX Honda, we will offer it from 2008, but the issue is how you create hydrogen."

Another cheaper hybrid model will be available in the country.

Hybrid cars are a short-term environmental solution for Honda with hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars being the ultimate goal.

Mr Keir said: "We will have a more financially accessible hybrid available by 2009. We have no idea of the size of the hybrid market right now, we just know that right now we can't meet demand."

The firm's Swindon plant will make 250,000 vehicles this year, reaching full capacity.

Last week Honda announced it is recruiting an extra 100 staff, which will take its total workforce over the 5,000 mark by the autumn.

The factory has set a target of zero landfill by 2008.

Mr Keir said manufacturing processes account for 15 per cent of the company's carbon footprint, He said: "There are opportunities to improve things and in the UK we will be pushing our suppliers to follow us down the same route."

Some lucky drivers already have clearer consciences after getting their hands on the rare Honda FCX fuel car in the US.

Hollywood actress Q'orianka Kilcher, who starred in The New World, is a customer.

The Union of Concerned Scientists in the US has voted Honda as the Greenest Automaker.

The car manufacturer is experimenting with creating hydrogen using solar panels.

The Advertiser launched the Time To Change campaign in November to flag up environmental issues.

The aim is to provide simple ways in which we can all use less energy to minimise the impact on climate change and the environment, In addition, we aim to report the latest debates and developments in climate change, which has now become one of the most pressing issues facing the world.