For the tests involving the hydrogen rotary-engine vehicle provided by Mazda, only the tires have been changed to suit the cold weather. The vehicle is otherwise identical to the model currently available for commercial lease.

Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda's program manager in charge of hydrogen rotary engine development, said, "It's a real privilege for Mazda to contribute to these activities in Hokkaido, which are part of the drive to build a hydrogen-based, eco-friendly society. We plan to demonstrate that vehicles powered by Mazda's unique hydrogen rotary engine are very practical even in cold regions. Since hydrogen cars with rotary engines are relatively cheap to produce and can also run on ordinary gasoline, we believe they will have an important role to play as we move closer to a hydrogen energy society. Mazda intends to continue doing its part toward achieving a more environmentally-friendly hydrogen energy society in the future."

Hydrogen fuel produces no carbon dioxide, one of the primary causes of global warming. The HRDB is conducting feasibility studies into the uses of hydrogen in snowy climates. These include plans to conduct various cold weather tests in and around Muroran city and neighboring Noboribetsu city. Both cities are in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan's northernmost island. This region produces abundant volumes of byproduct hydrogen and is therefore one of the most feasible locations in Hokkaido for a hydrogen fuel network. These and other initiatives in the Muroran area are aimed at establishing a hydrogen energy-based, environmentally-friendly society. Through these initiatives, the city is becoming a model for a future society that uses new energy sources, and it is spreading its message around the world.

The Environment and Transport Symposium on Hydrogen Energy, taking place on February 21, 2007, is organized by the HRBD and the "Town Level Research Committee to Utilize Hydrogen in the Muroran Area." The symposium participants comprise local representatives of industry, academia and government who are meeting to discuss the possible uses of hydrogen in transportation.