Hops, leading French manufacturer of high-end hydrogen vehicles, announces the deployment of its industrial site near Vernon, in Normandy. This strategic choice is part of the company's ambition to develop hydrogen-powered sedan models in France..
With an area of 35 hectares, the land is located in the locality of Douains. It will host the first production lines which could reach a capacity of 20,000 vehicles per year., as well as a research and development center. The infrastructure will be put into service at the end of 2024 for an inauguration planned for early 2025. The Vernon site will ultimately employ more than 1,500 people across all of its centers and thus intends to contribute to the economic dynamism of the region.. “It is a major project which contributes to the industrial renewal of the country. We chose Normandy, a territory which, in our opinion, has all the assets to welcome the manufacturing of the future, starting with its unique geographical positioning between Paris and the English Channel, reinforced by the Seine axis, its industrial basin and its very rich fabric of innovations in which we are part. Hops, by selecting this site for the implementation of its cutting-edge infrastructure, completes a new decisive step in its roadmap which should lead to the marketing of the first Hopium Māchina models at the end of 2025. I thank the local and regional actors, as well as all the Hopium teams, invested in the implementation of the project”, declares Olivier Lombard, CEO d’Hopium.
Normandy, pioneer of the hydrogen sector
“This establishment is excellent news for Normandy and once again demonstrates the economic dynamism of our territory. This project will contribute, otherwise, to the development of the Normandy hydrogen sector. Normandy, leading industrial region, is a pioneer in the development of this sector of the future. In order to strengthen the place of hydrogen in the Normandy energy transition, it was the first French region to adopt its Normandy Hydrogen Plan in 2018. Nearly a third of national hydrogen consumption takes place in Normandy, particularly in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector as well as in the aerospace sector through the presence of the Ariane Group test site. With the establishment throughout the regional territory of a network of charging stations and hydrogen vehicles or even the experimentation of the first coach converted to hydrogen in the world on an interurban line, the Region holds, otherwise, already a leader in hydrogen mobility”, declares the president of the Normandy Region, Hervé Morin.
Olivier Lombard, expertise from motor racing
Founded by Olivier Lombard, winner in 2011 of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Hopium is the culmination of his experience acquired on automobile racing circuits. Olivier Lombard drove hydrogen-powered racing cars for seven years, making him an expert in the field. Open-air laboratory, the race allowed Olivier Lombard and his team to think about new mobility solutions in order to respond to contemporary environmental challenges. While the transport sector alone is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, the company positions itself as an actor in climate change. Hopium brings together a team of experts at the forefront of innovation in the hydrogen fuel cell and automotive engineering sectors, as well as leading partners.
HOPIUM PARTNERS WITH CRÉDIT AGRICOLE
The subsidiary specializing in consumer credit of Crédit Agricole has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hopium for the delivery of 10,000 hydrogen sedans. The announcement was made on the eve of the closing of the Paris Motor Show.. Agilauto, brand specializing in automobile sales and financing of the Crédit Agricole group in France, will offer the hydrogen sedan “as part of programs intended for its individual or professional customers” indicates a press release.
