While Japanese automakers are thought to be leaders in green technology – Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius come to mind, especially given such high volume Prius sales in the Japan market – German carmakers are playing an increasingly important part of the global trend. BMW is moving forward in its Project i through the Mini-E, BMW ActivE, and upcoming i3. Clean diesel cars from German companies, many times with turbo diesel engines, are making big sales numbers in the US market. Fuel cell vehicles are there too, and hydrogen highway fueling stations are moving faster in Europe than I the US.
In the US, it’s expected that the Honda FCX Clarity and Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell version will play a part, but for now, Mercedes-Benz plays its role in the very small market niche – 37 Mercedes-Benz F-Cells have been leased in the Los Angeles area, with a total of 60 expected by year’s end as more hydrogen fueling stations open up. Limited sales will begin on a fuel cell version of its B-class subcompact in 2014, The next-gen B-class F-Cell will have more options and an upgraded telematics system when it debuts in the 2015 model year, and will be based on the B-class five-door hatchback now sold in Europe.
