AMPOL LIMITED 15 July 2015
Australians looking to cut their fuel consumption now have two champions alongside them.
World-leading fuel efficiency experts Helen and John Taylor have embarked on an epic road trip around Australia to share their fuel efficiency secrets while attempting to set a world record in their Volkswagen Passat.
The Taylors will commence the Caltex Vortex Fuel Efficiency Challenge today at Caltex Kingsway Star Mart in South Melbourne.
Powered by Caltex's Vortex 98 premium unleaded petrol, the Taylors will drive in a figure of eight around Australia visiting major metropolitan, regional and rural areas, including iconic landmarks such as Uluru.
By the end of their 38-day journey the pair hope to have used up to 15% less fuel per 100 kilometres than the manufacturer's stated usage.
The quest coincides with Caltex research showing that 96% of Australians believe they drive inefficiently and more than half (53%) want to uncover the secrets to using less fuel.
John Taylor said there were many old wives tales about how to use less fuel and he was determined to sort fuel efficiency fact from fiction.
"For example, three quarters of Aussies are unaware that driving a manual will typically result in better fuel economy and a further 39% mistakenly think mixing fuels in their vehicle will help them get more kilometres to the litre," John said.
As part of the Caltex Vortex Fuel Efficiency Challenge, the Taylors will hold workshops in 21 locations across the country to demonstrate first-hand how easy it is to learn the techniques that can reduce fuel consumption.
"We've helped thousands of drivers get more out of their fuel and set 46 world records for fuel efficiency across the world," John said.
"Today we're embarking on one of our biggest challenges yet: driving across the diverse terrain of Australia in a giant figure of eight.
"We want to show Australians the techniques for how to use less fuel and, in doing so, be kinder to our amazing environment.
"It doesn't matter whether the car you drive is big or small, it's the way you drive it that can help you get the most out of your fuel. It's an easy concept to learn and we love to share our knowledge with others whilst on the road."
Helen Taylor added: "Good driving techniques used while operating a well-maintained vehicle can lead to lower fuel consumption and ultimately reduce the impact on the hip pocket.
"We'll be keeping our vehicles performing optimally by ensuring they are regularly serviced and topped up with Caltex Vortex 98 Unleaded, a premium petrol product that is designed to help clean critical parts of the engine as we drive.
"We hope the trip and the results we are targeting will inspire other Australians to see what they can achieve to get the most from their own vehicles."
Caltex Australia Executive General Manager Commercial Bruce Rosengarten said: "As a responsible brand we want to educate, assist and ultimately empower people to make informed choices when it comes to driving and fuel efficiency.
"Our aim is to show Australian drivers how fuel efficient driving techniques combined with regular vehicle servicing and Caltex Vortex premium fuel, which is designed to clean, can help them get more out of a tank, maintain the engine of the vehicle and reduce emissions.
"The Caltex Vortex Fuel Efficiency Challenge is a great way to bring this to life for drivers across the country."
Today, the Taylors also begin a role as Clean Air Champions under an initiative set up by Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt MP.
Clean Air Champions are a select group of individuals whose actions are helping to raise community awareness and knowledge of air quality and initiatives being undertaken to support a clean air future for Australia.
Mr Hunt has thrown his support behind the campaign.
"I wholeheartedly encourage any initiative that empowers motorists to reduce their emissions," Mr Hunt said.
"This campaign will show Australians how small changes in driver behaviour can have a positive impact on our environment - by reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
"The Taylors have a long and successful history of tirelessly campaigning to educate motorists on the environment and how easy it is to change their driving habits for the better."
For live route updates and efficiency tips from the Taylors see here and for more information on Caltex Vortex premium fuel see website here.
Key research findings:
Fuel efficiency myths
Most Australian motorists (69%) are confused about fuel efficiency, with many unaware that sitting in a queue with the car idling wastes fuel (82%) and a third (29%) believing that changing the oil every 5,000kms will automatically improve mileage.
Aussies eager to change old habits
Most motorists would change the way they drive or the fuel they buy if it would result in a cost saving (63%) or if it was shown to be better for the engine and long term health of the car (53%).
Editors notes:
Caltex Vortex premium fuel
Efficient driving, regular servicing and Vortex premium fuels are the perfect combination to improve fuel economy. Caltex Vortex premium fuels are designed to clean for better performance and contain an advanced multifunctional additive formula designed to keep critical parts of the engine clean (fuel injectors), which can improve power and performance and increase fuel efficiency.
Research methodology:
The sample was Australian motorists aged 18+, with 2,057 respondents throughout Australia, including capital city and regional areas. The survey was in market from 12 - 18 June 2015 and conducted by Galaxy Research on behalf of Caltex.
Caltex Australia
With a commitment to Australia tracing back to 1900, Caltex has grown to become the nation's outright leader in transport fuel. Caltex supplies one-third of all Australia's transport fuels and is unique in this market for being the only major brand listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Through its comprehensive supply chain, Caltex has forged its reputation for providing safe and reliable supply of high-quality fuels to a diverse number of customer segments, including retail, mining, agriculture, aviation, transport, small-to-medium enterprises, marine, automotive and government. Caltex is also one of Australia's largest convenience retailers and franchisors, with over 85% of its stores operated by franchisees.
The Taylors
The Taylors are passionate about educating people on fuel efficiency and have spent the last 35 years helping increase awareness and understanding on the issues through workshops, campaigns and tutorials. Through a combination of efficient driving techniques and Caltex premium fuel, they are aiming to help set a new record and educate Australians on fuel efficiency along the way. Fuel economy will be measured at the Caltex stop points along the route, where all official evidence will be signed and photographed. The manufacturer's baseline figure will be the fuel economy measurement. An independent witness will be overseeing the entire world record drive adjudication.
ends
Media contacts
Andrew Burton, Fuel Communications
P: 02 8217 6521 E: aburton@fuelcommunications.com.au
Emily Kaelin, Fuel Communications
P: 02 8217 6500 E: ekaelin@fuelcommunications.com.au
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