TORRANCE, Calif., May 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "The issue of
hydrogen refueling infrastructure is not so much about how many
stations; but rather, location, location, location," stated
Bob Carter, senior vice president,
Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), just four months ago at
the Consumer Electronics Show in Las
Vegas where he unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell sedan due to
launch in 2015.
"Solutions are being found through collaboration between
government, academia, carmakers and energy providers. Stay tuned,
because this infrastructure thing is going to happen."
Today, TMS and its affiliate Toyota Motor Credit Corporation
(TMCC) announced that they have entered into a group of financial
agreements with FirstElement Fuel Inc. (FE) to support the
long-term operation and maintenance expenses of new hydrogen
refueling stations in California.
The actual amount of financial assistance will be based on an
analysis of the grant award to FirstElement by the California
Energy Commission's (CEC) Notice of Proposed Awards (NOPA)
announced on Thursday, May 1, and
final approval of the NOPA, anticipated in June.
In accordance with the terms of the agreement with Toyota,
FirstElement will work to develop an integrated and reliable
network of fueling stations across California in target market locations approved
by Toyota, and consistent with the California Fuel Cell Partnership
Road Map.
"The first few years here in California will be a critical period for
hydrogen fuel cell technology," said Carter. "California has stepped up with the offer to
invest $200 million dollars to build
100 stations, and through this financial arrangement with
FirstElement, Toyota is showing its full commitment to deploy zero
emission fuel cell vehicles here in California. Perhaps most importantly, we are
showing the future owners of this amazing technology that Toyota is
helping to ensure that hydrogen refueling will be available, no
matter what car brand is on the hood."
Today, TMS also announced that Linde, LLC plans to build a
hydrogen fueling station on TMS owned property located in
San Ramon, California, adjacent to
Toyota's San Francisco Regional Office and Parts Distribution
Center. This location would serve local and regional customers, as
well as serve as an important connector site between the
Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and the San Francisco Bay Area.
"This is just a start, but it's the first step in getting to the
point in the near future where this technology will move into the
mainstream," said Carter.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM)
established operations in North
America in 1957 and currently operates 14 manufacturing
plants. There are more than 1,800 Toyota, Lexus and Scion
dealerships in North America which
sold over 2.3 million vehicles in 2012. Toyota directly employs
nearly 39,000 people in North
America and its investment here is currently valued at more
than $27 billion, including sales and
manufacturing operations, research and development, financial
services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts,
materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals
over $26 billion.
Public Website: www.toyota.com
Twitter: @Toyota
Facebook: www.facebook.com/toyota
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SOURCE Toyota