The automotive application of PEM fuel cells is facing some crucial problems: - the relatively low operating temperatures limiting heat rejection - too small an operating temperature range and - high humidification needs New types of electrolyte membranes and catalysts offer a solution; their systematic development and testing is the main focus of the effort; along with that work on MEA, entire cells and small scale stacks is foreseen to finally validate the results at a representative level of power The project combines and exploits the European expertise in the field of advanced polymer membranes in a focused clustered and network type activity. Collaboration with institutes from non EU member states, in particular China, Russia and India, is addressed as well. A steering group with representatives of seven automobile OEMs shall coordinate the project and iteratively focus and guide the developers by specifications and assessment of results