“As you are aware, creating FCVs is not something that can be done by a single automaker” Toyota’s CEO Akio Toyoda said the moment he passed the keys of the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle to Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe. The event held last week marks a new age in the Japanese auto maker’s existence since the company wants to use the Mirai as the mark of a new era in fuel cell-powered vehicles.
Toyota believes the Mirai should become the country’s future mass vehicle, but knows that will only be possible if the effort is done together with other car makers in the industry. Things did come of a good start though, contrary’s to their believes, since the FCV car managed to receive an exceptional 1,500 orders in the first month of sale there.
Like we reported earlier, Toyota Motor Corporation was first expecting to sell around 400 units by the end of 2014, but there were so many orders placed that the company needs to shift production into high gear to meed the demand. The Japanese know, however, that in order to make drivers to switch to hydrogen-fuel bigger steps need to be taken.
One of these efforts implies getting the government involved in promoting the new model, which is why they gave the first car to Japan’s PM himself. Another thing they’re doing is inspired by another big green-car maker, Tesla Motors. As Elon Musk did late last year with the company’s patents, Toyota said it’s willing to share its expertise and patents regarding fuel cell technology with anyone wanting to make and sell such vehicles as well as build and operate hydrogen fuel stations.
If you want to get a better grip of what the Japanese’ plans look like, feel free to check out the video below for more details.
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