Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE to be shown in ONS2006 Exhibition

Margaret Adams
August 3, 2006

In the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept car was unveiled. Although the show did not feature Mazda MX6 parts, Mazda had stolen the show when they featured the RX-8 rotary engine system that was designed to run on two different fuels, hydrogen and oxygen. Following the success of the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Japan last March, the Mazda Motor Corporation will present the RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the ONS2006 (Offshore Northern Seas 2006). The ONS2006 is an energy exhibition that will be held in Stavanger, Norway from August 22 to 25. The exhibition will feature the international concern on energy conservation and challenges encountered in the energy industry.

Along with the ONS2006, the national HyNor Project will open the first hydrogen filling station in Norway to promote the utilization of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

“The hydrogen station in Stavanger is the first step of a long and exciting journey for hydrogen, and we are very proud to have Mazda present at the opening. Hydrogen has always suffered from the classic chicken-and-egg debate. The car manufacturers wait for a fuel distribution network to be set up, and the fuel suppliers wait for cars to be produced. In the end we decided to take a risk and build the first station and as you can see, the first cars have already arrived,” said Brage W. Johansen, Manager of Hydrogen Group, Statoil ASA and member of the HyNor National Board.

Mazda’s research and development of the hydrogen rotary engine was first started in 1991 and the first public road test of the hydrogen rotary engine happened in 2004. The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE features a unique fuel system that consists of a high-pressure hydrogen tank. The rotary engine of the Mazda RX-8 allows the utilization of hydrogen fuel and gasoline. Using hydrogen fuel offers a reliable s

James Muir, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe said: “Mazda means business when it comes to developing alternative fuel vehicles. Proof of this, is that we will be driving into a new Norwegian hydrogen filling station in a car that is not a prototype, but a model that Mazda has begun to lease to regional governmental authorities and companies in Japan. It uses both petrol and hydrogen at the flick of a switch. It's safe and it's fun to drive. With several countries in Europe beginning to invest in hydrogen infrastructures, Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen RE represents an important step towards eventual mass production.”