Ford enters five Ford, four Mazda and two Volvo vehicles
PRETORIA – 24th July 2008 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) boasts an impressive record in the TOTAL Economy Run, having competed successfully in the event for many years. With fuel consumption under increasing scrutiny Ford will be aiming to demonstrate the frugality of the five Ford and four Mazda models. Sister company Volvo will also field two entries in this year’s contest.
“Thanks to the ever increasing fuel costs, fuel efficiency is now more than ever an important purchase consideration for consumers,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager. “The TOTAL Economy Run gives us an opportunity to showcase the frugality of our vehicles in a controlled and regulated environment.”
This year’s TOTAL Economy Run will kick off on July 24 and conclude 1 050kms later on July 26. The route includes both tar and dirt and is centred in the Mpumalanga area. This year’s event is only open to vehicles manufactured from 2005 to date with a maximum of 50 competitors able to enter.
Stuart Greig and Wynand Gerber will be aiming to defend their Class B title in a 1.3-litre Mazda2. Greig took the Class B honours at last year’s event in a Ford Fiesta 1.4-litre and will be keen to extend his winning streak in the class. Also competing in Class B are Jason and Julian Finey, they will pilot a 1.5-litre Mazda2.
Joe Gates and Esra Martins will test the frugality of a 1.6-litre Mazda3 in Class C while road safety expert and paramedic Philip Hull will partner with Willie du Plessis in a 2-litre Mazda6 in Class D. Last year’s Class winner Roger Hills will be eager to once again fly the Ford flag in a Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi. Having been victorious last year in the same car he is optimistic ahead of the event.
Roger Rouessart and Johan Sieling and rally driver’s Martin Steyn and Van Aardt Schoeman will compete in Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi’s in Class H, while economy run stalwarts Willie and Willem Nel and last year’s class E winners Gordon Noble and Graham Bate will compete for sister brand Volvo.
Vehicles, which participate in the Total Economy Run, are standard with no alterations or additions added to assist in fuel efficiency. Vehicles are monitored and scrutinized to ensure that all rules are adhered to, while the driver and navigator of each vehicle is accompanied by an assigned observer to ensure that all road and competition rules are complied with.
“Both Ford and Mazda have competed successfully in the TOTAL Economy Run for many years,” continues Pillay. “We once again have a line-up of competitive models as well as a team of experienced drivers and navigators who will no doubt once again produce some silverware for the brand.”
“Ford Motor Company would like to thank Lazarus Motor Company for their hard work and preparation ahead of the event. The Centurion based dealership continues to demonstrate an unyielding commitment to the event,” he concludes.
