DaimlerChrysler Rolls Out Fuel-Cell Powered Fire-Fighting Car

DaimlerChrysler has sent its first fuel-cell fire response vehicle to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. The district will operate the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell as a supervisor's vehicle. The fire response car joins DaimlerChrysler's F-Cell police car as the first zero-emission emergency response vehicle operating in the U.S. The F-Cell police car is being used by the Wayne State University Police Department in Detroit, MI.

DaimlerChrysler reports spending of more than $1 billion in fuel cell vehicle research in recent years. The car maker claims its research has involved gathering data on nearly 2 million zero-emission miles. "This program exhibits how DaimlerChrysler is taking on the challenge for industries and governments to create viable alternative-fuel solutions," says Mark Chernoby, VP of advance vehicle engineering in the Chrysler Group.

DaimlerChrysler has produced a diverse line of fuel-cell vehicles that include a medium-duty Dodge Sprinter van, as well as Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses that operate in a number of countries.