Record Number of Entries for 2006 Rally

Media Release: 10 September 2006

Record Number of Entries for 2006 AA EnergyWise Rally

New Zealand’s only car rally that promotes fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, the AA EnergyWise Rally, will take place in November this year.

The Rally is held every two years and is conducted on a number of challenging roads throughout the North Island. It is designed to identify the most fuel efficient new cars and effective fuel saving driving techniques over a four day period. The Rally is organised by the AA and EECA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. Fuel is being supplied free of charge to all vehicles by Gull New Zealand Ltd.

A record number of 47 petrol and diesel cars have been entered in the 2006 Rally by the following manufacturers: Honda, Holden, Ford, Kia, Mitsubishi, Mazda, BMW, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, Fiat and Daimler Chrysler.

Stella Stocks, General Manager AA Technical Services says “given the increasing costs of fuel, it is important for motorists to have access to information relating to the fuel efficiency of vehicles; and that such information is independent, objective and reliable. While the AA has been associated with the Rally in the past, we welcome the opportunity to take a far more prominent and key role this year.”

Heather Staley, Chief Executive EECA says “we are delighted to again be involved in the AA EnergyWise Rally which is a showcase for the fuel efficient cars available in New Zealand. It is also a great opportunity for us to support the use of biofuels which are being demonstrated in the Rally in readiness for the expected commercial launch of these fuels onto the New Zealand market in the near future. Supporting this event is also one of the ways we promote smarter choices in car purchasing and also better driving practices.”

Gull New Zealand Ltd’s General Manager Dave Bodger says “the Rally is Gull’s key sponsorship in New Zealand and underlines the company’s active support of environmental fuels.”

The AA EnergyWise Rally begins on Monday 6 November in Auckland, before travelling to Wellington via Palmerston North. The Rally will be officially welcomed to Parliament, before heading to Rotorua, and finishing in Auckland on Thursday 9 November.

The winners of the AA EnergyWise Rally 2006 will be announced at an awards dinner in Auckland on Thursday 9 November.

Additional information about the rally is available online at www.aaenergywiserally.co.nz

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