Toyota premieres FINE-S fuel-cell concept car in Detroit
The 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit saw Toyota Motor Corporation unveil its futuristic-looking FINE-S hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid-electric concept vehicle. The adaptability of the Toyota fuel cell system components makes it possible to install the technology in a wide variety of vehicle types, shapes and sizes, using a shared platform.
As with General Motors' Hy-wire car last fall, the FINE-S is representative of the future of FCVs as offering style with performance. With the ability to modularly install fuel-cell components throughout the vehicle, future FCVs will be capable of having individual electric power applied to all four wheels. The car's low center-of-gravity, coupled with an individual wheel torque control system, will provide excellent performance handling.
Deeper 2002 loss for FCE reflects product, manufacturing development
CT-based FuelCell Energy, the manufacturer of Direct FuelCell ยฎ (DFC ยฎ ) molten carbonate fuel cell stationary power plants, has reported a net loss for the year to October 31, 2002 of US$48.8m compared with a net loss of $15.4m in the previous fiscal year. The net loss reflects FCE's focus on developing standard DFC power plant products, increasing manufacturing production volume, and developing its distribution network.