Honda starts leasing fuel cell cars in Japan

Honda Motor Co. said it began leasing its new fuel cell sedan, the FCX Clarity, in Japan, targeting government agencies and a limited number of private firms. The Environment Ministry became the first to lease Honda’s newest eco-friendly vehicle, which emits no carbon dioxide. The FCX Clarity can travel a distance of about 620 kilometers on a single charge of hydrogen, up 30% compared with the previous fuel cell model FCX, the carmaker claims. The monthly leasing fee in Japan is ¥800,000 (US$8,890) and ¥57,000 (US$633) in the United States. (November 25, 2008)