Motorists are being challenged to prove that they are ‘green’ drivers in a new competition from the Energy Saving Trust and Ford.
In a three-part test, the second section will establish existing eco driving skills among the final 200 participants, with fuel consumption (CO2) output recorded.
Next comes a session of eco driving instruction from the Energy Saving Trust before a second CO2 reading is produced – with the improvement expressed as an annual fuel saving.
Heats will be at Murrayfield Stadium, in Scotland, on July 5th, at Longleat, Wilts, on July 12th, the Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth, on July 19th, at the London International Motor Show, ExCel finishing with the heats at Knowsley Park, Merseyside, August 9th and West Midlands Safari Park, Worcs, on August 16th.
Nigel Underdown, Energy Saving Trust head of transport advice, said: "The Energy Saving Trust believes that typical savings of 15 per cent – in litres, pounds and CO2 – are achievable and realistic by adopting smarter driving techniques. Drivers will welcome the savings as fuel prices reach record levels and will also help address global warming by reducing CO2 emissions."
Ford will spotlight their Focus ECOnetic models. Competitors will be driving the Focus cars, which record a combined fuel consumption figure of almost 66mpg – resulting in a class-leading 114g CO2 per km.
Andy Taylor, Ford’s sustainability director, said: "Designing and manufacturing fuel efficient cars such as Ford ECOnetic range becomes even more meaningful when linked to other measures to reduce emissions.
"Smooth and smart driving plays a huge but often unrecognised part in motoring – both financially as well as environmentally."
Regional heat winners will be treated to a visit to the Dagenham Diesel Centre, where Ford’s low emissions engines are produced, with the overall winner having a complete home makeover (to the value of £10,000) to ensure the complete energy efficiency of their dwelling.
