09-APR-05  A Revolutionary Thing That Went Almost Unnoticed
... happened at the Hydrogen Expo USA technology showcase in Washington, DC: for the first time a hydrogen-fueled vehicle was able to drive inside the exhibit hall. No anxious fire marshal, no safety concerns on behalf of the venue. While in the past vehicles had to have their engines cut before move-in, the Honda FCX meant for indoor display at the leading North American hydrogen and fuel cells exhibition was simply driven to the booth. Hydrogen vehicles have come a long way from sci-fi-type oddities to an increasingly attractive alternative to cars running on expensive gasoline. 65 international suppliers presented market-ready technologies at Hydrogen Expo USA, which drew attendance of some 1,100 delegates. Compared to the last Annual Conference and Expo in Washington, DC in 2003, this means an increase in exhibitor numbers by 180 (!) percent and an increase in attendance by 70 percent. The surge in interest in the topic and the event can also be seen in the increase in visits on www.hydrogenexpo.com which tripled in comparison to last year to almost 40,000 visits. Accordingly, participants in the 2005 event were very satisfied. The next Hydrogen Expo USA and NHA Annual Conference will be held on March 11 to 16, 2006 in Long Beach, CA.