- Vauxhall sponsors one of the world’s largest triathlon series
- Athletes and crowd favourite with over 22,000 participants and 800,000 spectators
Luton – The Vauxhall Ampera will be the official lead car at the Grand Final of the ITU World Triathlon Series 2013 in London (September 11th – 15th). Vauxhall is the official auto supplier and one of the key sponsors of the series.
The Ampera will lead the way for the elite fields of runners and cyclists at the three-day event, setting the stage for the athletes. It will also act as an environmentally-friendly and comfortable shuttle service vehicle for dignitaries and VIPs.
With the Grand Final course being in central London, the Ampera has the added benefit of being one of the few models that qualifies for Congestion Charge exemption.
“Triathlon is a rapidly-growing Olympic discipline among sports fans. It requires serious ambition, absolute perfection and enormous versatility – values that our Ampera also ideally represents,” said Vauxhall/Opel CEO and dedicated marathon runner Karl-Thomas Neumann. “So we are delighted to be the only automaker to exclusively support the ITU World Triathlon Series in Europe with our ultra-low emission electric vehicle.”
ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado said: “The Vauxhall Ampera delivers power and endurance in a sustainable format, which reflects triathlon’s core components and key values for the International Triathlon Union. We are delighted to partner with a company that shares our same message.”
In total, more than 22,000 participants from every continent are expected to take part in the final three events of the premier triathlon series. In addition, an estimated 800,000 spectators will cheer on both the amateur participants and the world’s best triathletes across the course.
The elite athletes will compete for precious points to decide the 2013 World Championship title. The ITU World Triathlon Series has already held events in New Zealand, USA, Japan, Spain and most recently in Kitzbühel, Austria. The multi-continent triathlon series is a major landmark for on-site spectators but also TV sport fans – with all events broadcast in over 160 countries.
Arriving in showrooms last year, Ampera has a real-world battery range of between 25-50 miles, after which a small range-extending generator, powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine, intervenes to provide up to an additional 300-plus mile range. At all times, the Ampera’s wheels are electrically driven, setting it apart from conventional hybrid vehicles.
Ampera pricing starts at £29,995 on-the-road (including a £5,000 government grant) for the Earth model. The car is available through a network of 24 specialist Vauxhall dealers and is covered by the manufacturer’s industry-leading Lifetime Warranty.
Vauxhall is also covering the majority of running costs for Ampera customers with a new ownership package. Available on Positiv and Electron trims, private buyers will be entitled to three years or 60,000 miles free servicing and a £2,000 fuel contribution, enough to cover both electric and petrol costs for three years for an average Ampera driver.
Other benefits include a Type-2 charging cable which will enable customers to charge their Ampera at the vast majority of public charging points and a £335 (VAT inclusive) allowance equivalent to the 25 per cent funding gap on domestic home charging installations announced after this year’s Budget.
