Highway Business Unit News

While debate continues on whether or not fuel cell-based power generation can be a viable proposition for the commercial marine market, its advocates in the engineering industry are making headway in giving practical form to the technology. The installation of a fuel cell power unit aboard a 12-m (approx. 40-ft) yacht, fully approved and safety-certificated by Germanischer Lloyd, has provided an important, albeit modestly-sized, new waterborne platform for the concept. Using Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)-type fuel cell modules supplied by Ballard Power Systems of Canada, MTU Friedrichshafen has prepared a complete propulsion system which enables the craft, known as No. 1, to run at seven knots under fuel cell power alone.

Dr. Rolf A. Hanssen, after more than 10 years as CEO of MTU and Head of the DaimlerChrysler Off-Highway Business Unit, will terminate his contract as planned with effect from December 31, 2004. The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and the Supervisory Board of MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH have selected Volker Heuer, who is currently still Presidente de los Centros Industriales of Mercedes-Benz Espana S. A., to take over as the CEO of MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH and Head of the DaimlerChrysler Off-Highway Business Unit, effective August 1, 2004