2011 BRIDGESTONE ECO-RALLY

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27th July 2011

2011 BRIDGESTONE ECO-RALLY

The Bridgestone Eco-Rally returns this year and is more relevant than ever as motorists are hit in the pocket by the ever-rising fuel costs.

Bridgestone Eco-Rally returns for the 5^th year running on Sunday 31^st July
Route from Oxford University to The Mall, London – opposite Buckingham Palace
Showcase of the world’s best eco-friendly vehicles such as Nissan Leaf which can do 100 miles for £2

The 2011 Bridgestone Eco-Rally will take place on Sunday 31^st July, this year starting from Broad Street, Oxford and culminating in the UK’s largest sustainable transport exhibition at The Mall in London, with a pitstop at the BRE Innovation Centre in Watford. As always the rally is a convoy of the world’s best low and zero emission vehicles from cars and motorbikes to vans, trucks and taxis.

For many motorists this year, the rising fuel prices have changed the way we choose our cars and research by the Bridgestone Eco Rally shows many don't realise they can now buy a whole host of vehicles which are green and economical at the same time. That’s why this year’s Bridgestone Eco Rally features vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf which can do 100 miles for £2 or all-electric cars like the Tesla roadster and Mitsubishi i-MiEV that cost as little as £1.50 to travel 100 miles.

Car manufacturers such as Mitsubishi, Volvo, Aston Martin, Lotus, Nissan, Ford, Tesla, Delta and Honda have already signed up, as well as celebs who will be driving the vehicles. The names of the celebrities will be revealed at a later date.

Andy Dingley from Bridgestone said; “Bridgestone is delighted to be involved again with this year’s Eco-Rally. Most people don’t realise that the UK has some of the most economical and eco-friendly vehicles in the world. We need to shout about them and that is why this event is so fantastic – it showcases the vehicles of now and the vehicles of the future. Bridgestone is committed to reducing the impact of motoring on the environment and this year’s Bridgestone Eco-Rally is set to be bigger and better than ever.”

Previous supporters of the Bridgestone Eco-Rally include luminaries from the worlds of politics, entertainment, sport and the arts such as Boris Johnson, Quentin Willson, Chris Huhne, Kevin McCloud, Lucy Siegle, and F1 drivers Eddie Irvine and Nico Hulkenberg.

The event is organised by Revolve, an organisation committed to accelerating the market for zero emission transport. Spokesperson Steven Glaser said; “Our research last year showed almost a quarter of people in the UK would not consider buying or driving an eco-friendly vehicle and of that number, almost half (43%) believe electric and hydrogen-powered cars and motorbikes would be a hassle to fill up or charge.

“However, every year the technology moves on and the offering to consumers becomes ever more real. This year’s event promises to be a different proposition with even more groundbreaking vehicles – including two, three, four and even 6-wheelers – together with a fresh route and iconic landmarks as backdrops to add an exciting new twist.”

This year’s event is in association with Start and culminates with a free to attend, green transport exhibition, coinciding with Start’s Summer Programme. Start is an initiative inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales to promote and celebrate eco-friendly living . For more info about the Bridgestone Eco-Rally, please visit www.eco-rally.org. For more information about Start, please visit www.startuk.org.