The AIADA newsletter reported that Toyota and General Motors are discussing future plans for joint research and development before their current contract expires at the end of March.

The  two automakers plan to stop joint research on fuel-cell car development, but do plan to extend their partnership in the development of cutting-edge technology after the current contract expires.

The automakers have worked together in research and development of fuel-cell technology under a two year project beginning in April 2004. According to Marketwatch, major car makers are eyeing fuel-cell technology as they believe fuel-cell vehicles are the most promising pollution-free vehicles of the future.

Fuel-cell cars are powered by electricity generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and emit only water as a byproduct.