Sir Richard Branson has called on Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, to support Virgin's hopes of running hydrogen fuel-cell cars by promoting hydrogen filling stations in the capital, as he unveiled plans to boost the group's green credentials.

Speaking in New York, Sir Richard said Virgin was running a trial of three hydrogen-powered cars in Los Angeles with a view to replacing his entire fleet of limousines for Upper Class travellers on Virgin Airlines.

The Virgin founder also announced a far-reaching plan to extend Virgin Atlantic's use of biofuels after a successful trial.

This, he said, would prevent the carrier from falling victim to increased demand for fossil fuels as supplies become more stretched over the next six years by growing markets in China and India.

Sir Richard also announced a partnership with Rolls-Royce to power Virgin's 787 fleet in a deal worth $2.6 billion.

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