Prime Minister Shinzo Abe test drove the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle (FCV) at the Prime Minister’s Office.

After test driving the FCV in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Abe said the following in an address about future initiatives,

“I believe the dawn of the hydrogen age is finally upon us. This car is quick off the start, quiet, and provides a very comfortable drive. I would like to introduce FCVs at all government ministries and agencies. To further promote FCVs, we have relaxed or eliminated many regulations until now, and I hope that further progress can be made by continuing with both further regulatory reform and technological development.

In addition, I would also like to implement regulatory reform in order to make hydrogen filling stations a reality. For this reason I hope to discuss this matter at the Regulatory Reform Council. In any event, the car was very easy to drive, stylish, and good for the environment, and I believe it represents the start of a new era.”