Toyota Motor Company recently announced the launch of the New Hydrogen Council composed of thirteen leading energy, transport and industry companies, with a vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the energy transition.

The international companies currently involve in this initiative include the following companies: Air Liquide, Alstom, Anglo American, BMW Group, Daimler, Engie, Honda, Hyundai Motors, Kawasaki, Royal Dutch Shell, The Linde Group, Total and Toyota.

Meanwhile, the Council is led by two Co-Chairs from different geographies and sectors, currently represented by Air Liquide and Toyota.

Toyota said that hydrogen can play an important role in the transition to a clean, low-carbon, energy system since it does not release any carbon dioxide. The Council will therefore work with, and provide recommendations to, a number of key stakeholders such as policy makers, business and hydrogen players, international agencies and civil society to achieve their goals.

Apart from these, the Hydrogen Council also confirmed their plan to accelerate their significant investment in the development and commercialization of the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors. They also invite the government and key society stakeholders to take part in this initiative.

"The Hydrogen Council will exhibit responsible leadership in showcasing hydrogen technology and its benefits to the world. It will seek collaboration, cooperation and understanding from governments, industry and most importantly, the public. We know that in addition to transportation, hydrogen has the potential to support our transition to a low carbon society across multiple industries and the entire value chain. The Hydrogen Council aims to actively encourage this transition," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman, Toyota.

Some of the automakers that are a part of the council already produce their own fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs). Toyota has the Mirai (finished in dark blue) while Honda produces the Clarity (finished in maroon). Hyundai, on the other hand, has been producing the ix35 FCV (finished in white) since 2013.