The world’s most esteemed smarter mobility and fuel-efficiency competition took the streets of Manila on February 7, 2014.
Jumpstarting the annual mobility challenge with a flag-off ceremony lead by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2014 brought in a total of 109 student teams from 15 countries across Asia and the Middle East. For the first time in the Philippines, fuel-efficient student designed innovations (Prototype and UrbanConcept) will be taking the tracks, vying for the coveted title—vehicle that can go the farthest on the least amount of energy.
Coinciding Shell’s 100th year in the Philippines, the fifth SEM is staged in a street circuit in Rizal Park, Manila. 15 Filipino teams go head to head against the best in Asia pacific.
“Every year the students amaze the judges with their passion, creativity and ingenuity as they push the boundaries of fuel efficiency and energy conservation,” said Shell’s Chief Financial Officer Simon Henry, at the flag off. “These teams represent the next generation of leaders, designers and engineers, and their commitment to finding sustainable solutions makes me confident we can together tackle the ongoing mobility and energy challenges.”
The mobility competition will run until February 9. The final results will be tabulated and announced at the closing awards ceremony at Manila Hotel.
Shell FuelSave celebrity driving challenge
Bianca Gonzales gets ready to take on the track
The Shell FuelSave celebrity driving challenge happened alongside the SEM Asia 2014. Four celebrities from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines compete in the final leg of the Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driving Challenge—after previously holding their individual challenges in their home countries.
Thailand’s representative proudly holding the country’s flag
Actor-host Bianca Gonzalez represented the Philippines, together with Alex Simon Rendell of Thailand; Lisa Surihani of Malaysia; and Jean Danker of Singapore. The celebrities drove a Shell Eco-marathon prototype car and showcased fuel efficiency with simple driving changes.
Shell Energy Lab
Also launched during the event was Shell’s futuristic and educational Shell Energy Lab. The attraction features a number of interactive displays and activities—Kinetic Energy Dance Floor, Energy Generators, Kinetic Energy Dance Floor and Mini Shell Eco-marathon—that reflect the rising stresses on the world’s resources.
For more information on all Shell Eco-marathon events across the globe, including official rules, instructions for registration and details on prizes, please visit the Shell Eco-marathon website at www.shell.com/ecomarathon.
See public run article here.
Video of the flag off to be uploaded soon.