According to the Japanese giant, "The test was conducted on roads in Hokkaido in the morning and it confirmed the fuel cell works even at minus 11 [Celsius]. [We plan] to put cars powered by [this] fuel cell on the Japanese and US markets next year."

Fuel-cell cars are pollution-free and have water as their emission by-product. Such cars run on electricity produced when hydrogen - in the tank - combines with oxygen in the air. The world's major car-makers - including Toyota Motor Corp and General Motor Corp - are working to develop these environmentally-friendly cars.