It’s lunch at Parliament on Day Two of AA rally

It’s lunch at Parliament on Day Two of the AA ENERGYWISE Rally

A lower North Island loop mixing straight rural highways, steep climbs - and lunch at Parliament - awaits participants on Tuesday, day two of the four-day 2010 AA ENERGYWISE Rally.

Running from Monday 11 to Thursday 14 October the two-yearly AA ENERGYWISE Rally is organised by the AA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), and Gull Petroleum New Zealand.

After an overnight and refuel in Wanganui, the 49 drivers and their vehicles hit the road at 7.30am heading via Bulls to ‘The Square’ in Palmerston North. From here the rally continues to Ashurst and the Manawatu Gorge.

After Woodville, a right turn takes the rally onto SH2 heading to the Wairarapa, through the centre of Masterton before climbing the Rimutakas. The rally continues through the Hutt Valley before stopping in Wellington for a lunch break at in the Great Hall of Parliament with Minister of Energy and Resources, Hon. Gerry Brownlee between 11.30am and 1.45pm.

“The morning’s drive presents a mix of challenges for the drivers, particularly with steep climb over the Rimutakas and they’ll be working hard to get the maximum number of kilometres out of every drop of fuel they use,” says EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill.

The afternoon drive entails a short drive up the Kapiti Coast on SH1 and into the centre of Levin. From here the rally continues on SH57 to the day's final destination in Palmerston North around 3.30pm where they will refuel at a Gull New Zealand service station and spend the night.

The total distance for the day is approximately 430km. It is the second stage in the 1,780km North Island route that tests drivers and vehicles on a combination of motorways, unsealed roads, rural state highways and rush hour traffic

“The whole purpose of the Rally is show Kiwi motorists how they can slash their fuel bills by choosing a fuel-efficient car and driving it in a fuel efficient manner,” says Mr Underhill.

AA General Manager Motoring Services, Stella Stocks says “Most motorists can achieve a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20% through more efficient techniques, and at today’s petrol prices, that adds up to some significant savings”

This year there are eight award categories depending on the size and make of the vehicles (small, compact, medium, large, small lifestyle, large lifestyle, micro and commercial).

The overall Supreme Winner is the vehicle that costs the least to complete the 1,780 kilometre route - including both fuel and road user charges. On top of the eight award categories, there are additional awards for most efficient hybrid vehicle, most efficient diesel vehicle, most efficient petrol vehicle, most efficient driver, most environmental (least CO2 emissions) vehicle.

Motorists are encouraged to get online @ aaenergywiserally.org.nz and enter the competition to win a $2,750 ultimate fuel efficient driving package competition.

* Ten manufacturers have entered vehicles this year - Suzuki, Volkswagen, Holden, Subaru, Hyundai, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz.

* There are 32 petrol vehicles, including a record 9 hybrids, and 17 diesel vehicles, competing in eight different categories.

• Celebrity drivers will be among the contestants battling it out for top honours including Marc Ellis, Chris Amon, Steve Gurney, Emma Gilmour, Geoff Bryant and Energy Spot’s Jared Turner.
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