Fuel economy experts to educate NZ drivers

Fuel economy driving experts to educate NZ motorists

Fuel economy Guinness World Record holders John and Helen Taylor are in New Zealand to run a fuel efficient driving challenge in inner city Auckland on Tuesday morning (13 June).

The couple set the new Guinness World Record for Fuel Economy by driving around the world in just 24 tanks of petrol. They are in New Zealand to promote the fuel efficient driving message using a series of driving techniques that helped them on their journey.

Shell’s Fuel Economy Formula will be fuelling the challenge, which is based on the same technology as the Shell fuel used by John and Helen in their successful world record trip.

A Breakfast TV reporter, radio presenters and the Shell Fuel Economy competition winner of $4000 worth of free Shell fuel, will compete for the fuel efficiency title on Tuesday by driving around a designated course in Auckland City.

Before the challenge begins, John and Helen will coach competitors on the best way to achieve the lowest fuel consumption during the challenge. Competitors will then set off in VW Golf cars with multi-functional displays to measure fuel consumption. The Challenge will start and finish at Shell Beach Road in Parnell.

John Taylor says ‘hands on’ driving coaching is the best way to communicate the fuel efficient driving message. “People need to experience how smart driving and using the right fuel can make a significant difference to overall fuel economy,” he says.

Shell spokeswoman Jackie Maitland agrees. “John and Helen put our fuel to the ultimate test by driving around the world. It is great to have them back in New Zealand to show kiwi drivers how they can modify their driving style to reduce their fuel consumption,” she says.

The Shell Fuel Economy World Record Challenge took the Taylors 28,970 km, across 25 countries in 78 days of driving. They used just 1303 litres of fuel, averaging 22.2km per litre – a surprising and phenomenal performance considering the official VW figures over the combined cycle (a combination of urban and extra-urban cycles) for the VW Golf FSI1.6 is 7.0 lt/100km (14.3 km/lt).

During the journey the Taylors encountered extremes of temperature, climate and terrain. However, despite the challenging conditions, the record was achieved through a combination of the innovative Shell Fuel Economy Formula and fuel efficient/Fuel Stretch driving practices.

John and Helen are giving one-on-one driving lessons to media in Auckland on Monday and Tuesday, Wellington on Wednesday and Thursday and in Christchurch on Friday where they are also holding a seminar for senior students at Christchurch Boys High School.

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