A total of 20 hydrogen fuel-cell cars were expected to provide zero-emission transportation services for the Beijing Olympic Games after their manufacturer delivered 15 such sedans on Sunday.

These hydrogen fuel-cell cars were manufactured by Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Company, a Sino-German joint venture automaker.

Earlier, Shanghai Volkswagen had already delivered five such cars to Beijing after these vehicles undergone strict tests in safety, reliability and durability.

The engines for these vehicles were jointly designed and developed by prestigious Tongji University, Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (Group) and Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Powerstrain Co., Ltd.

The 20 sedans would be used to provide transportation services for some VIPs, officials and media people. They were a major part of a nearly-500-strong "Green motorcade" which would provide zero-emission services at key venues of the Games.

These cars were able to run at a maximum speed of nearly 150 kilometers per hour and they could finish a distance of more than 300 kilometers with one-time hydrogen charge, according to Tongji University.

The university said several members of the research and development team would provide technical support at the site to ensure smooth operation of these vehicles during the Olympic Games.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2008)