Peugeot launches the Paris-to-Geneva Eco Cup

[Plex]

Peugeot has put out the call to European drivers to sign up for its upcoming Eco Cup where they will have the chance to prove how efficiently they can drive. The Eco Cup is a two-day, 622-mile run from Paris, France to Geneva, Switzerland in a fleet of 72 new diesel-powered Peugeots.

Drivers that want to compete can enter on the Eco Cup website where they have to provide a 140-word description of how to drive green. Peugeot will judge the entries and pick four drivers from each of 18 countries. The drivers will run in their choice of the Peugeot 207, 308, 3008 or 5008. Competitors will have to reach the checkpoints within an allotted time window, while using the least amount of fuel.

Peugeot's lead Le Mans driver Stéphane Sarrazin has already run the course in each of the prescribed cars to set benchmarks for efficiency. Sarrazin's results ranged from 54.6 miles per gallon (U.S.) in the 207 to 44.4 mpg in the 5008 MPV. The winning drivers in each vehicle class will receive a brand new Peugeot the day after the event at the Geneva Motor Show. The press release is after the jump.

Press Release

CALLING ALL ECO-DRIVERS; ARE YOU EQUAL TO THE PEUGEOT ECO CUP CHALLENGE?

* Glamorous eco driving challenge from Paris to Geneva
* 72 entrants from 18 countries compete in 4 categories
* Most fuel-efficient drivers win and receive Peugeot cars

This week sees the launch of the first ever pan-European eco-driving challenge - the Peugeot Eco Cup. Following in the footsteps of those early pioneering motoring journeys, the Peugeot Eco Cup will follow a 1000 kilometre course from Paris to Geneva, with the winners being those arriving at the finish within set time targets having used the least fuel.

Entry to the Peugeot Eco Cup is open to any qualified driver. Would-be competitors can sign up at the dedicated website http://ecocup.peugeot.com which can also be found via www.peugeot.co.uk by 15 February 2010.

The website features a range of eco-driving tips, an online eco-driving test and details of the four different Peugeot cars available for the event. Applicants select the car category they prefer to compete in, enter their details and submit a 140 word description of what makes a good eco driver.

Peugeot will select 72 competitors from the online entries and then randomly draw entrants to be invited to take the challenge, with four each representing the 18 European countries (and accompanied by a team-mate of their choice), to compete in four different Peugeot cars: 207 HDi 90, 308 HDi 110, 3008 HDi 110 and 5008 HDi 110. Each car is a diesel powered practical family vehicle recognised for its excellent fuel economy and low carbon emissions.

With strict equivalent weights for each model used, the 72 vehicles will all set off from Paris on Sunday, 28th February 2010 towards Geneva via a compulsory 1,000 kilometre route to be covered within the 30-36 hour permitted period.

For each model, the candidate having consumed the least fuel at the end of the course will win a new Peugeot car. Winners will be announced and the keys to the vehicles will be handed over on Tuesday 2nd March 2010 on the Peugeot stand at the Geneva Motor Show.

Family, friends and eco-driving fans will be able to follow the teams' progress on a dedicated Facebook page (search for Peugeot Eco Cup), where they will also be able to contribute messages of encouragement, tips and suggestions.

Jon Goodman, MD of Peugeot UK said "This first Peugeot Eco Cup is a truly exciting challenge in the mould of those first great motoring adventures, and uses the expertise from one of Europe's leaders in terms of environmental vehicles. We are seeking the best of the best in eco-driving, taking everyday but highly fuel-efficient Peugeot cars over a testing route to see just how far they can stretch their fuel capability. Will anyone make the finish on one tank? We'll have to see."

Green.Autoblog