General Motors and Honda have announced a long-term ‘master agreement’ to co-develop fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies.

According to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index, GM and Honda rank No.1 and No.2 respectively in total fuel cell patents filed between 2002 and 2012, with more than 1,200 between them. 

Aiming for results by 2020, the manufacturers say they will succeed by sharing expertise, economies of scale and common sourcing strategies. 

Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO, said: “We are convinced this is the best way to develop this important technology, which has the potential to help reduce the dependence on petroleum and establish sustainable mobility.” 

Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda, added: “Among all zero CO2 emission technologies, fuel cell electric vehicles have a definitive advantage with range and refuelling time as good as conventional cars.

“Honda and GM are eager to accelerate the market penetration of this ultimate clean mobility technology.”