Honda is joining with organizations across America in celebrating National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day to raise awareness of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the nation's energy security.

Honda will introduce its new 5-passenger, hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell sedan by the end of the year, beginning with retail leasing to customers in select California markets. The Clarity Fuel Cell has a refueling time of approximately three to five minutes.

The U.S. Senate provided official recognition of October 8 as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day last year, in recognition of the atomic weight of hydrogen (1.008), raising awareness of the role fuel cell vehicles can play in the future of energy and mobility in America.

"Honda believes that hydrogen can play a critical role in addressing global climate change and accelerating progress toward a more sustainable, ultra low-carbon mobility future," said Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We are excited to deliver the all-new zero-emissions Clarity Fuel Cell, a spacious 5-passenger fuel cell sedan with the range and refueling time of a conventional car. The Clarity can meet customer needs for performance, safety and advanced telematics, while addressing society's environmental and energy concerns."

Sales and marketing will begin through certified fuel cell vehicle dealers located in the Los Angeles and Orange County regions, as well as, for the first time, the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento areas, where the network of hydrogen stations has started in earnest.