The MPG Marathon, now in its twelfth year, is the UK's
longest-running and best known economy driving event. With
financial uncertainty and fuel costs currently rising faster than
inflation, the MPG Marathon aims to demonstrate how significant
savings on fuel and CO2 emissions can be achieved by the adoption
of simple economy driving techniques.
Powell and his co-driver Trevor Holland successfully completed
the 370 mile course through the Cotswolds, South Midlands and South
Wales, achieving 56.5mpg, 11.70mpg more than Volkswagen's stated
44.8mpg combined cycle figure.
Commenting on the marathon, Powell said: "I'm delighted with
this result. Both the Volkswagen Transporter BlueMotion and Cobra
speed limiter performed admirably. We were delighted to beat the
official fuel consumption figures for the Volkswagen Transporter
BlueMotion by an astounding 26%. For commercial vehicle drivers and
fleet managers, this is a big cost saving, whilst reducing stress
on the vehicle and also the likelihood of accidents."
The Cobra speed limiter can be fitted to the majority of light
commercials up to and including 3.5 tonnes and is programmable to
56mph, 60mph and 70mph. The limiter is compatible with Euro 4 and
Euro 5 petrol and diesel engines, and comes with a two year parts
warranty.
Managing Director of Cobra UK, Andrew Smith, says: "Any LCV that
is regularly driving on motorways, dual carriageways and A and B
roads should see an impressive reduction in fuel running costs with
a speed limiter. Both the MPG Marathon and our own independent
testing earlier in the year, which showed a 37% reduction in fuel
use at a restricted 56mph, clearly show this. Fleets will also
benefit from lower emissions, as well as improved engine life.
Restricting a light commercial vehicle to a maximum speed helps
reduce the stress and strain on a vehicle's engine, and given that
many light commercials run on a double shift or seven days a week,
a speed limiter can help protect the operator from expensive
unplanned maintenance work."
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