MEDIA RELEASE: 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.
