Honda has leased six FCX vehicles in Japan and 13 in the United States (a total of 19) since it first delivered the FCX to its Japanese and U.S. customers on the same day in December 2002. In fiscal 2004, we leased an FCX capable of starting at subfreezing temperatures—a world’s first—to the Hokkaido prefectural government in January 2005. This was our first lease of a fuel cell vehicle in the cold weather area of Japan, following that in New York in December 2004.
In Yakushima, the World Natural Heritage, we started test-driving the FCX in late April 2004 as part of the Yakushima Zero Emission Project to conduct a demonstration/test of a self-sufficient energy system and create a model for a recycling-based society.
In addition, we started a joint test operation of a second-generation home energy station (HESII) equipped with hydrogen fueling and cogeneration functions with Plug Power Inc. of the United States (based in the state of New York). Through conducting tests on fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fueling systems in cold areas, we promote comprehensive research for a future society where fuel cells will be used as a common power source.
Honda continues its technology development to expand fuel cell vehicle uses in various regions.

The sales of the CIVIC GX, which is powered by natural gas—a more abundant and cleaner-burning fuel than oil—amounted to 81 vehicles in Japan in fiscal 2004.