Hexagon Lincoln will supply compressed hydrogen gas cylinders for a new Mercedes-Benz automobile scheduled to come out next year.
Hexagon Lincoln said in a news release it will supply the cylinders for Daimler's new Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL, which will come out next year.
"These are next-generation cylinders for next-generation vehicles," Rick Rashilla, vice president for hydrogen products, said in a news release. "They are the result of years of research, development and testing with Daimler's wholly owned subsidiary NuCellSys, a world leader in fuel cell- and hydrogen tank-systems for vehicle applications."
Hexagon Lincoln, which makes composite fuel and storage tanks mostly for compressed natural gas, announced in January that it would step up its pursuit of the hydrogen fuel tank business.
Rashilla said in an interview that the company has supplied hydrogen fuel tanks for pilot projects but this will be its first order for a vehicle that will be available for commercial sale.
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The tanks will be made in Lincoln, at least for the foreseeable future, Rashilla said, with production set to begin sometime next year.
Hexagon Composites, Hexagon Lincoln's Norway-based parent company, has made several moves this year to diversify its business after seeing its fortunes reverse late last year.
Since the hydrogen announcement in January, Hexagon entered into a joint venture to develop hydrogen fuel projects in Japan, merged its CNG automotive products division with another company and entered into a joint venture to develop compressed natural gas fuel products for the rail industry.
Last week, Hexagon Composites reported its quarterly earnings, which showed continued weakness in its compressed natural gas operations, including Hexagon Lincoln. That segment saw its losses grow nearly 1,200 percent in the second quarter compared with a year ago.