Five Japanese manufactures have announced they have formed a research association to develop small hydrogen engines.

The new body comprises Yamaha Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Kawasaki Motors, and Suzuki Motor Corporation.

The Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology (HySE) Research Association will enter its hydrogen engine vehicle, the HySE-X1, in the Mission 1000 Challenge of the Dakar Rally 2024. The challenge will take place in Saudi Arabia early next year.

Kenji Komatsu, Chairman of HySE and Executive Officer of Technical Research & Development Centre, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., said: “We have decided to participate in the Dakar Rally, which we know has a rich history and tradition.

Our main reason for participating is to give us the chance to communicate the results of our research in a way that’s easy to understand. By participating in the event, we can identify potential issues and refine our technology to solve the technical themes required for the establishment of hydrogen small mobilities as soon as possible.”

Mission 1000 is a new part of the Dakar Future Program, an effort aimed at automakers to develop next-generation carbon-neutral powertrain technologies like hydrogen engines and electric or biofuel hybrids.

HySE also plans to exhibit a mockup of the HySE-X1 at the Motorsports Program booth at the Japan Mobility Show 2023.