September 27, 2008

Visitors of the British motor show at the Excel centre, London and other motoring events across the UK were able to take advantage in an eco driving challenge.  Ford's summer Smart Driving Challenge ran at seven locations across the country, in addition to the Excel centre other regional challenge events were held at Murrayfield, Scotland;  Tynemouth;  Knowsley, Merseyside;  West Midlands;  Longleat, Wiltshire;  and Cornwall's Eden Project.

The Energy Saving Trust, which ran the Ford Smart Driving Challenge with low CO2 Ford Focus ECOnetic models, has reported:

• Fuel saved after deploying smart driving tips equated to £325 per year for the average motorist
• Drivers improved their miles per gallon by 33.4 per cent
• Associated CO2 impact improved by 22.5 per cent
• Best fuel consumption recorded for Ford Focus ECOnetic was 78.5mpg (compared with official combined figure of 65.6mpg)

500 drivers took part in the scheme which comprised of a three-part test.  During the first part of the course drivers were asked to drive a circuit in the manner that they’d usually drive.  Their average fuel consumption was measured during this lap as a guide to savings that could be made.
The next lap featured eco driving instruction from the Energy Saving Trust.  Smart driving techniques were shown to the drivers which deliver environmental, financial and safety benefits by reducing fuel consumption thanks to a smoother driving style aimed at eliminating wasteful acceleration and braking.

Then a third lap was driven with the new learning applied and the difference in fuel consumption highlighted.  As highlighted in the figures above an average 33.4% fuel economy was achieved over the course, which was set out to replicate urban driving conditions.
Nigel Underdown, Energy Saving Trust's head of transport advice, said:  "These are great results proving that a few simple smart driving techniques make a huge difference to fuel consumption.

"Typical annual savings equate to £325 or 650kg of CO2 per car.  If all drivers reduced fuel consumption by the same proportion, more than 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions would be avoided every year."

The Ford Smart Driving Challenge featured Ford Focus ECOnetic TDCi models, which combine aerodynamic styling, low rolling resistance tyres and enhanced engine oils to achieve CO2 output of 115g/km.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "The combination of economical cars driven frugally can have a dramatic impact, as our Ford Focus ECOnetic Smart Driving Challenge has highlighted.  Our sales of low CO2 cars are up 42 per cent this year so far as Ford meets the modern day imperatives of family motoring – lower fuel costs and CO2 emissions from affordable vehicles."

What is eco driving?

• Change up through the gears at between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm
• Ease your speed.  Driving at 70mph uses around 15 per cent more fuel than at 50mph
• Anticipate to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking
• Use auxiliary equipment selectively, eg air conditioning
• Switch off the engine whenever safe to do so
• Check and adjust tyre pressures regularly, according to load and speed driven
• Remove unnecessary cargo from the car to reduce weight
• Reduce aerodynamic drag whenever possible, eg close windows or remove roof racks

What are the benefits?

• Reduced fuel consumption
• Lower fuel bills
• Less CO2 emissions
• Lower accident rates as a result of improved anticipation

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