FuelCellsWorks

Reggio Emilia, Italy–At 07:14 UTC on 20th May 2010, European Commission research project Rapid200Fc, hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft, took its maiden flight in Reggio Emilia. The first aero-mechanical flight was followed by a 11 minutes flight envelope investigation flight. The hybrid power system, completely electrical and composed by a 20kW PEM fuel cell and a 20 kW Li-Po battery, was successfully tested during the experimental flight. Level flight at 700ft and 130 km/h was attained by mean of partial fuel cell power setting. Positive handling qualities and satysfactory engine performances let the test team to consider this successful early flight as a further step in introduction of clean energy in aeronautics. Official demonstration flight will be performed next week at Reggio Emilia airport.

Signal Hill, Calif. – Mercedes-Benz plans to complement its current portfolio of BlueTEC clean diesel SUVs and hybrid offerings with hydrogen electric vehicles at the end of 2010 to start introducing customers to the technology and gain real-world experience.

With new greenhouse gas emissions standard signed into law, the automotive industry is poised to undergo more change in the next 10 years than it has in the previous half century, said Mercedes-Benz USA executive Sascha Simon. Simon explained that many drivers need and demand larger vehicles that can travel long distances. Commercial fleets especially will not be able to rely on batteries alone.

Mercedes-Benz is investing significant resources in hydrogen electric technology, which has the potential to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels without constraining customer expectations.

According to Simon, infrastructure challenges are preventing the technology from being adopted on a large scale. He suggested that this new generation of buyers would play a large role in shaping the face of transportation going forward.

“The road to zero emissions is not necessarily as long as most people think. The speed of progress depends on government climate change programs and carbon fuel supplies, but just as important is the customers’ willingness to adopt and embrace alternative fuel vehicles” Simon said.

Mercedes-Benz offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes.

Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach, located at 2300 E. Spring Street in Signal Hill, Calif., strives to offer the highest levels of service in all departments with competitive pricing. With a knowledgeable sales staff, factory-trained service and parts experts and a wide selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach is committed to providing Southern California residents with a true Mercedes experience.

For more information about current offers, please call 562-988-8300 or visit mbzlongbeach.com.

LATHAM, N.Y. – Plug Power Inc. (PLUG ) , a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, today announced a corporate restructuring to focus and align the company on its GenDrive(TM) business. In keeping with its primary objective to become a profitable enterprise, Plug Power is streamlining its resources and its workforce to harness commercial traction in the material handling market.

In a move to optimize efficiency and growth potential in the $4 billion North American material handling market, Plug Power is consolidating all operations to its Latham, New York headquarters. In doing so, 117 positions will be eliminated in its Canada, India and U.S. facilities. As a result of the restructuring, the annual cash burn rate is expected to decrease by $12 to 15 million, providing necessary capital to help accelerate market adoption.

“As with many new and innovative technologies, product adoption rates vary from market to market,” said CEO Andy Marsh. “With our experience we’ve seen a much faster adoption of fuel cell power in the material handling space, and as a result, we are focusing resources to accelerate customer acquisition in this important market. This is the right move for the material handling business and the right move for Plug Power.”

As stated in Plug Power’s most recent earnings call, Plug Power is evaluating the GenSys business model and expects to communicate any changes to its prime power strategy by the end of the second quarter. “Absent external market dynamics, the GenSys technology platform is sound and the product and system capabilities are strong,” continued Marsh. “Interest from commercial partners is high as we continue to explore opportunities to capitalize the strength of this business.”

Plug Power expects to ship 1,100 GenDrive units in 2010. Customers receiving products include United Natural Foods, Sysco, Wegmans, Central Grocers and others.

Further details about the restructuring will be provided in an 8-K filing with the SEC.