Toyota's first commercially available fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai, will be on show for the first time in Australia at the sixth World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Sydney in early October. This, the automaker said, would be the first time a right-hand drive fuel cell vehicle was in Australia and it would "give the public a taste of the new technology that Toyota is introducing globally".
Already on sale in Japan and soon to be available in North America, the UK and Europe, the Mirai was officially unveiled late last year. In an impressive coup, Australia will be one of the first countries outside of these regions to display the Mirai. While it is in Australia, government representatives and other key stakeholders in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra will be given the opportunity to experience the vehicle.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner said it's a great opportunity to showcase the future technology.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome the Mirai to Australian shores in October," he said. "Toyota pioneered the mass production of hybrid technology and we truly believe fuel cell vehicles will play a key role in our global future."
Buttner said that while Toyota Australia is following the new technology with great interest, the relevant infrastructure needs to be in place before it can be sold here.
"It's clear that Australians are searching for more eco-friendly options. Fuel cell vehicles emit only water and can offer the same convenience of petrol-powered cars. However, before we can introduce these vehicles to Australia we need to have relevant infrastructure such as refueling stations, which will take time. That is why we need to work with industry and government to discuss the refueling infrastructure required in Australia to support fuel cell vehicles."
Toyota Australia is a sponsor of the hydrogen convention which will be held at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney between 11 and 14 October.
