SACHITO FUJIMOTO

Senior chief engineer, Honda R&D Co.

Chosen because: When Fujimoto joined Honda in 1981, he worked on the development of engines for the Accord, Civic and other models before joining the fuel cell vehicle team in 1999. He was key in developing the 2000 and 2003 FCX fuel cell concept models and was named Large Project Leader for the 2005 FCX and subsequent FCX Clarity, which is being leased to Los Angeles-area consumers. Fujimoto, 53, also has led Honda's effort to create solar-powered vehicle recharging stations and was a prime mover in developing the Fit EV due in 2012, using lessons from fuel cell technology as the basis for the car.

Quote: "It's my own dream to make fuel cell vehicles for the ordinary motorist," he said in a Reuters interview. "I would like to make the age of the fuel cell cars begin in earnest as early as possible. Every day there is progress."