As a prelude to the official launch of the Make Cars Green campaign in South Africa, the AASA organised a 1,000km Eco Challenge during the first weekend of August.
Competitors in the 'Make Cars Green Honda Eco Challenge' aimed to drive 1,000km from Johannesburg to Beaufort West on only one tank of diesel. A total of six vehicles participated, made up from a trio of Honda Civic 5-Door 2.2 i-CTDi hatchbacks and three Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CTDi 4x4 sport utility vehicles.
As well as support from Honda, the event received backing from Bridgestone, the FIAís global partner for the Make Cars Green campaign. The six vehicles left from Johannesburg, with drivers drawn from a mix of motoring media, AASA representatives, Honda staff and Bridgestone staff. All six cars reached Beaufort West, exactly 939 km from Johannesburg, without having to refuel, while the Civics went on to cover the full 1000 km distance without stopping.
The combined average fuel consumption of the three Honda Civics amounted to 5.08 litres per 100 km, with the best of the three vehicles achieving an impressive 4.83 litres per 100 km. The larger, heavier, all-wheel drive CR-Vs achieved a combined average consumption of 6.12 litres per 100 km, with the best performer in the group posting a consumption figure of 5.98 litres per 100 km. Gary Ronald, AASA Manger of Public Affairs, who drove one of the cars said: "The Make Cars Green initiative aims to promote environmentally conscious motoring, and recognises that a careful and an economical driving style can result in a significant saving on fuel as well as limiting emissions." The official launch of the Make Cars Green campaign in South Africa will take place on the 20 August 2008 at the Gerotek vehicle testing facility outside Pretoria. A number of motoring and environmental journalists have been invited to attend the event.
