Today, the SMX Convention Center Grounds witnessed the official launch of the fifth annual Shell Eco-Marathon Asia.
In preparation for the global mobility challenge that will be held in Manila for the first time February next year—and will be the host until 2016, a public run took place as a preview for the anticipated event in 2014. Eight from the 17 participating teams, joined the public run with two of Shell’s very own fuel-efficient vehicle innovations, each paraded and circled the grounds.
Formerly hosted by Malaysia, the super-mileage competition will be held at the Luneta Park, a venue visible to the public aimed for Filipinos to be knowledgeable about eco-friendly alternatives to transportation. 157 student teams from 16 countries across Asia and the Middle East are getting ready to compete in the competition.
The teams began designing and building their energy-efficient prototypes and urban type vehicles since last year. The winning team will be determined by who can drive farthest on one gallon of fuel and become the most fuel efficient team—thinking creatively about energy efficiency and putting new ideas into practice.
Representing the Philippines are 17 teams from the country’s top engineering schools, namely: Adamson University, De La Salle Dasmarinas, De La Salle University, Don Bosco Technical College, Mapua Institute of Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila, Technological Institute of the Philippines – Manila, Technological Institute of the Philippines – Quezon City, University of San Carlos and University of Santo Tomas.
“As first time participants in the Shell Eco-Marathon, Team PUP Manila feels privileged, excited and proud to represent our campus and the Philippines in this prestigious competition,” says Team Manager Sonny Aurellano of Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Through the Shell Eco-Marathon, fellow students and the general public will be inspired to integrate efficiency into their daily lives and make the shift to green energy.
“I feel honored to represent my school and country for the Shell Eco-marathon 2014” says Team Driver Bryan Jacobo from the Technological Institute of the Philippines. “Through the competition, we are given a chance to showcase our solutions to the world’s growing transportation challenges. By developing fuel efficient vehicles, we hope to raise awareness on the current energy situation and inspire our fellow student to support smarter mobility for a brighter future.”
As the first urban track for Shell Eco-marathon Asia, participating students can have the first-hand experience on the energy challenges faced by true urban environments. Taking the challenge to the streets of Manila will stimulate how new technology can work in real cities.
“Hosting Shell Eco-marathon Asia in the city of Manila will provide an all-new setting for students across the Asia Pacific region to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency,” said Roberto Kanapi, Vice President for Communications, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation. “We at Shell are committed to working with the next generation to help the world meet its growing energy needs in a responsible way. Time and again we are astounded by students’ innovation and creativity, and we highly anticipate the February challenge.”
Beyond the student competition, Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 will for the first time convene partners and other stakeholders around the future of energy, technology and mobility. Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 will expand to include two new events—The Shell Energy Lab and the Powering Progress Together Forum.
Here’s a short video of the public run:
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.