KEY POINTS:
The future Prime Minister could race to rugby tests in the same Hydrogen-powered BMW limousine Brad Pitt uses to get to movie premieres.
Having just won the Government limousine contract, BMW has offered ministers an exclusive test-drive of the BMW Hydrogen 7 in Melbourne next month.
The Hydrogen 7 is the German company's next step in "green" cars from the 34 diesel-powered limousines ministers and other dignitaries will soon be ferried about in.
The Hydrogen 7 is much-hyped - the 100 produced have been loaned or leased to high-profile "green ambassadors" such as Brad Pitt, who took one to the Oceans 13 premiere in Hollywood this year.
They are not for sale and have no shelf-price.
The hydrogen engine is a step away from fossil fuels, and the cars discharge almost nothing but water vapor. They require hydrogen stations to fill up - and New Zealand has none.
BMW New Zealand spokesman Piers Scott said it had invited Government ministers and Opposition members to try the car, although he would not give names. Government officials, environmental opinion-leaders and media would also be invited.
New Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was among the Australian politicians invited to the test-drive.
Mr Scott said that although New Zealand did not have hydrogen stations, a small number were operating in the United States and Europe.
Mr Scott said while BMW would love to get Helen Clark or John Key in a Hydrogen 7 on New Zealand roads, it was "possible but not likely" that a hydrogen station could be in New Zealand in the next few years. Another option was bringing the mobile refuelling kit out, although this was expensive.
The Hydrogen 7 has a top speed of 230km/h, faster than the Ford limousine which sped Prime Minister Helen Clark to get to an All Blacks test in 2004.
It emits just 5.2 grams of C02 a kilometre, compared with the 212 grams a kilometre of the diesel version - which was praised by the Government as the second-lowest of the 15 cars submitted for the tender.
The 8kg of hydrogen is kept in a crash-proof tank and can power the car for 200km.
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to switch over to the petrol tank, which can power it for another 500km.
Climate Change Minister David Parker said the decision to award BMW the limousine contract showed the government "walks the talk" on sustainability.
BMW HYDROGEN 7 'AMBASSADORS'
* Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
* Richard Gere
* Placido Domingo
* Cate Blanchett
* Helen Clark /John Key?
