Opcon and Xcellsis sign agreement regarding air systems for fuel cell engines

Opcon and Xcellsis sign agreement regarding air systems for fuel cell engines Fuel cell engines are expected to be the next generation of auto engines. They will meet more stringent environmental legislation and match consumer demands for a cleaner environment while offering an alternative to more expensive conventional fuels. Fuel cells generate energy through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The only emission is clean water. "I am extremely pleased to announce that our subsidiary, Opcon Autorotor AB, has signed an agreement with Xcellsis concerning the development of air systems for fuel cell engines," says Sven G Oskarsson, CEO and Managing Director of Opcon AB, which is listed in the Stockholm Stock Exchange. "Xcellsis is the result of an alliance between DaimlerChrysler, Ford and Ballard. Analysts regard this alliance as being at the forefront of the development of fuel cell engines and therefore closest to series production," continues Sven G Oskarsson. Opcon Autorotor AB, located in Nacka, near Stockholm, has been developing and manufacturing air systems for over ten years. The systems are mainly used for fuel cell engines but also for new combustion engines such as the new Saab engine that uses variable compression. "All of the world's major carmakers are developing fuel cell engines and they all feature an air system. The air system is the most important component in the fuel cell engine because it has a decisive impact on performance," explains Roland Ärlebäck, Managing Director of Opcon Autorotor AB. Long experience Long experience and extensive knowledge of the industry, technology and manufacturing methods combined with its own patents make Opcon Autorotor AB a world leader in air systems for fuel cells. The company is participating in most of the known fuel cell projects for heavy and light vehicles in co-operation with world-leading manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, Nissan and Energy Partner. One of the few projects Opcon Autorotor AB was not previously involved in was the Mercedes Necar project conducted by Xcellsis GmbH, previously dbb fuel cell engine GmbH. "The development agreement that we have now signed with Xcellsis means that we will develop the compressor that will be included in the new Xcellsis fuel cell cars and thus the Necar," says Roland Ärlebäck. "It is very important for us to be a part of this project." First and largest Xcellsis' goal is to be the first and largest in fuel cell engines for vehicles. The company expects to be producing fuel cell engines from 2002. The first commercial vehicles will be buses. "Xcellsis has come furthest in fuel cell development in terms of technology and series production," says Roland Ärlebäck. Xcellsis is owned by Ford, Ballard and DaimlerChrysler. Ballard is a Canadian research company regarded as the world leader in fuel cell technology and it is active in nearly all of the major development project in this field. "We have been working together with Ballard since 1992. We are co-operating on air systems for fuel cell engines for cars and buses," says Roland Ärlebäck. In addition to being a partner in the world's largest fuel cell project, the development agreement secures jobs within development and laboratory operations at Opcon Autorotor AB for at least two years. For further information please contact: Sven G Oskarsson, Managing Director and CEO, Opcon AB, tel +46 532-611 30. Roland Ärlebäck, Managing Director, Opcon Autorotor AB, tel +46 8-448 44 46. Lena Karlsson, Information Manager, Opcon AB, tel +46 532-611 34, mb +46 70-326 74 03. Information about fuel cell development can be found at www.fuelcells.org and www.h2forum.org ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2000/04/26/20041004BIT20080/wkr0001.pdf