This very special RX-8 is going into service in collaboration with the Hydrogen Road of Norway, (HyNor) project.

Initially, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE's driving performance on Norwegian roads will be validated with a single vehicle, which will also be shown at various events.

This marks the first time that a Mazda hydrogen rotary vehicle has been put into regular use on public roads outside Japan.

Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding with HyNor to participate in the project in November 2007.

HyNor is a national project in the Kingdom of Norway that aims to establish a clean energy transport system based on hydrogen fuel.

Beginning in fiscal year 2009, Mazda will provide approximately 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles for the HyNor project under commercial lease contracts.

"Up to now, real world use of Mazda's hydrogen rotary vehicles has been limited to Japan. Participation in the HyNor project marks our advancement to the next stage," says Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda Program Manager in charge of hydrogen RE development.

"Mazda plans to use the wealth of data and experience that will result from this project for the further development of hydrogen vehicles."

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