Mayor Hubbard to flag the cars away

Thursday, 28 October 2004, 5:37 pm
Press Release: Energywise Rally

28 October 2004

One of new Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard’s first official duties will be to welcome the EnergyWise Rally contestants to the event and flag the cars away on the first leg of their four-day journey around the North Island. Mayor Hubbard’s participation in the event is appropriate, as he is a well-known supporter of environmentally-sensitive transport initatives.

Energywise Rally 2004 is designed to highlight the fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness of new cars of all types and sizes. It will be a very competitive event, with a number of car-to-car rivalries already shaping up. Drivers and co-drivers include Olympic gold medallists, former and current motor racing champions and other celebrities, as well as a number of prominent motoring journalists.

EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) is the main sponsor, supported by Gull Petroleum, the NZ Automobile Association and LeasePlan New Zealand.

As well as a trophy for the most environmentally efficient car in the event, and plaques for the class winners, there will also be an award for the drivers who can better the official consumption figure for their car by the greatest percentage, irrespective of the vehicle’s ultimate capability. This award, which recognises driving technique, could go to any vehicle.

EnergyWise Rally 2004 leaves from the Auckland Showgrounds in Greenlane Road at 11 am on Tuesday 2 November, and returns to the Centra Airport Hotel on Friday afternoon, 5 November. Find out more at www.energywiserally.org.nz, where daily progress results will be available during the event.

ENDS

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