3.3.2008 11:41AM

Limos at LAX: Richard Branson, General Motors Announce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Pact

Branson: Without Alternative Fuel Development, Economy Could "Go Completely Out of Control"

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By Deborah Barrow

Today, Sir Richard Branson continued his campaign to have his Virgin Atlantic Airways known as the world's most eco-friendly airlines by announcing a new partnership with General Motors and its "Project Driveway" alternative fuel test drive program. Following on the heels of last week's Virgin Atlantic-Boeing bio-fuel flight from London to Amsterdam, he announced that Virgin will now use Chevrolet Equinox hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for its complimentary ground transfer service for upper class passengers at Los Angeles International Airport.

At a press conference this morning announcing the partnership, Branson noted he believes that government and industry investment in alternate energy sources is urgently needed as the world's oil supplies tightens. He further predicted oil prices at $150/barrel in 5-6 years due to diminishing supply and increasing demand. Stating that innovations in alternative fuels are so critical to the world's economic future, he warned that "without this (alternative energy development), the thing could go completely out of control."

The world's first production Chevrolet powered by a hydrogen fuel cell pulls up carrying Sir Richard Branson.

The Chevy Equinox Hydrogen Fuel Cell model that will be used is part of the world's largest fuel cell test ever. Called General Motors' "Project Driveway," it will place more than 100 zero emissions electric vehicles powered by hydrogen on the streets of key markets in the US and around the world. The first vehicles will be tested in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC, starting in late March .

The Chevy Equinox vehicles used in the Virgin Atlantic limo program and the Project Driveway tests are powered by General Motor's fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. The Equinox models are cross-over vehicles that look and drive essentially like the production models of the Equinox found on the typical showroom floor. It has all the standard safety features including On-Star and the GM StabiliTrak stability system.

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