Approx 80% of the energy a car consumes during its life cycle results from driving, which is why Ford have teamed up with the Energy Saving Trust to develop an initiative which supports more conservation-minded driving: ‘The Focus ECOnetic Smart Driving Challenge’.
Between July and August, the ‘Focus ECOnetic Smart Driving Challenge’ will
tour the UK. More information about the event and how you can get involved can be found at the Ford stand. If you cannot make it to one of the driving days, below are some fuel efficient driving tips from the Energy Saving Trust and Ford.
Take the Ford Focus Econetic Smart Driving Challenge
1. Change up at low revs. Moving up a gear at 2,000-2,500 rpm saves fuel because there’s less internal friction in the engine.
2. Slow Down. Driving at 70mph uses about 15% more fuel than at 50mph. In fact as soon as you go over about 45mph, air resistance and engine friction increase – and so does fuel consumption.
3. Anticipate. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by keeping an eye on the road ahead. This makes for a smoother ride, fewer accidents and fuel savings, especially in town where nearly
all fuel is burnt accelerating.
4. Step off the accelerator. When slowing down for a red light or driving downhill with your foot off the gas and engine in gear, a modern vehicle reduces fuel flow to the engine to virtually zero. This is more economical than coasting in neutral.
Ford Motor Company
Climate change is a reality. Many of us are rethinking the way we lead our lives to reduce our impact on the environment. Ford is no exception and is focusing closely on the energy implications of every stage of a vehicle’s lifecycle, from sourcing materials through production methods to disposal.
For example Ford’s plant in Dagenham is the first automotive plant to receive 100%
of its manufacturing electricity needs from on-site wind turbines, and the Bridgend Engine Plant in Wales is the site of the largest integrated solar installation at any automotive manufacturing centre in Europe generating enough power to light an area
of approximately 10,000 square metres.
For more information on Ford’s environmental efforts and to see some exciting vehicles, head to the Ford stand. Vehicles on show include the new Focus 1.6TDCi, the new Focus ECOnetic and the new Ford Kuga.
For more information on Ford visit
www.ford.co.uk
