Hybrid technology firm Ashwood Automotive is hoping that its imminent trip to Germany will help it find European partners. The Exeter-based firm, which produces retrofit hybrid systems, is to take part in the 11th Michelin Challenge Bibendum eco rally in Berlin next week and will be display its technology to potential distributors, fleet customers and automotive partners.
The 11th annual event is Challenge Bibendum opens May 18 and runs for five days at the former Berlin Tempelhof Airport. The event is an international show featuring technical tests, demonstrations, eco rallies and test drives of sustainable and alternatively fuelled vehicles.
Mark Roberts, Managing Director of Ashwoods said: “We are looking forward to our first mainland European event.
“We have received a lot of interest in our low emission vehicles and hybrid components from the European market. The Michelin Challenge Bibendum is a highly regarded event and a fantastic place to do business. It will allow potential customers or partners to experience our products and discuss the opportunities available.”
Ashwoods produces the Hybrid Transit, the UK’s best-selling hybrid van. Based on the Ford Transit, its kinetic energy recovery system helps reduce fuel consumption – and CO2 emissions – by 15-25 per cent. From these fuel savings, the system can pay for itself in as little as three years.
The company will also demonstrate its Ashwoods EcoDrive+, a simple but effective system that works with a driver to get the best fuel consumption out of the vehicle and allows fleet managers to monitor each vehicle’s performance. In recent independent tests, EcoDrive achieved fuel and CO2 savings of 5-15 per cent. The subsequent improvements in driving quality also result in reduced brake and engine wear. Based on 30,000 miles per year, the technology can pay for itself in fuel savings, in just 12 months.
Named Europe’s fastest growing cleantech business in 2010, Ashwoods Automotive is an award-winning company dedicated to hybrid and low carbon technologies. Its customers include major fleets such as the Royal Mail, Transport for London and the Environment Agency.
The Michelin Challenge Bibendum will this year be at the Berlin Tempelhof Airport, 18-22 May. Visit http://www.michelinchallengebibendum.com/en for more information.
