Toyota New Zealand had joined the recently established New Zealand Hydrogen Association, and is one of the first automakers part of the association.

The association was formed in September 2018 by private sector companies and was created in part toward developing an ecosystem for hydrogen-fueled vehicles in New Zealand, according to the automaker. Seed funding for the association came from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and its founding members include Fulton Hogan, HW Richardson Group, Hyundai, Siemens (NZ), Green Cabs, Real Journeys, and Contact Energy.

The high proportion of renewable electricity in New Zealand means the conversion of the national fleet to electric, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles could play a crucial role in meeting the commitment of the motor and transport industry to reducing CO2 emissions, according to a release from the automaker.