The new coalition government’s austere Budget has helped create record interest in the 2010 ALD Automotive MPG Marathon, the event’s organisers claim.
The marathon, set to take place at Ettington Chase, near Stratford upon Avon on September 15 and 16, has extra interest in it this year as fuel prices continue to grow, ahead of further increases in fuel duty and a rise in VAT set for the New Year.
Now in its eighth year, the event hopes to prove to Britain’s 30 million motorists that it is possible to save hundreds of pounds on fuel bills regardless of growing costs.
Organisers have experienced a greater level of driver interest since the so-called austerity Budget announced that VAT was to rise from 17.5% to 20% in 2011. The number of vehicles able to take part in the competition is set at 40 , but organisers have already seen a third more requests for places for the eco-challenge this year. The event sees drivers compete to achieve the highest miles to the gallon as they take their vehicle around the 360 mile route. This year it is expected that the winner will break the 100 mpg mark. Last year’s winner achieved a staggering 96.81 mpg in a SMART Fortwo Coupe.
"We have seen dramatic interest in this year’s event, in part driven by the desire to be the first to achieve 100 mpg. But it is largely because the VAT increase will dramatically impact the cost of fuel, already the highest in Europe, so drivers are looking at more ways to reduce their spending at the pumps. Filling up a £60 tank of unleaded will cost an additional £1.50, a major incentive to motorists to cut costs," said marathon organiser Ross Durkin.
"Drivers are looking for ‘here and now’ savings. People who drive for business are being encouraged to look at new greener technologies, but there is a way to go to prove their cost-effectiveness and practicality. Drivers therefore want tips they can put in practice themselves to reduce their motoring costs today, especially with the January VAT increase to contend with," he adds.
The two-day 360 mile event, which is supported by Act on CO2 and the Energy Saving Trust, is likely to be more than just economically challenging for drivers. The route, which is just being finalised, will include more A and B roads and hills to conquer around Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
