The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 35: Feb/March 2018 | Page 29

REVVED UP
FISH BROTHERS HONDA CAR TAKES
FUEL ECONOMY WORLD RECORD
A new World Record has been confirmed for the best fuel
economy in a petrol-powered car by the Honda Jazz.
Driven by BBC South Transport Correspondent, Paul
Clifton, and Researcher, Fergal McGrath, a Honda Jazz,
supplied by Fish Brothers Honda in Swindon, successfully
set a new world record for petrol car fuel efficiency.
The challenge saw the team undertake the 844-mile journey
between Land’s End and John O’Groats on a single tank of
fuel – a world first for any petrol car.
Following the journey, which took place over the weekend
of 3-4 June, it has recently been confirmed that the team beat
the previous best of 71mpg – achieving an incredible 95mpg.
The world record demonstrates that advanced green
engine technology within Honda vehicles is developing in
huge strides.
Providing the official adjudication and support for the
record attempt were AA Patrol John Snowling and Recovery
Patrol Tony Doran, who escorted the Honda at an average
speed of 40mph, providing vital protection on the road.
The AA van telematics were also used to track the journey;
including the route, distance, time taken and average speed.
This data was submitted as key evidence in verifying the
world record.
Debbie Reeve Crook, group marketing manager at Fish
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Brothers Honda, said: “We’re thrilled we were able to
help support this incredible world record attempt by Fergal
and Paul with the Honda Jazz. Their effort took a lot of
determination and highlights the fantastic efficiency of the
Jazz. They had a few precarious moments along the way,
particularly when the car warned that there was no fuel left
with 60 miles remaining, but the brave little Jazz carried on.
As the end got closer, it must have been running on fresh
air and adrenaline! This achievement demonstrates how fuel
efficient the Jazz really is.”
Paul Clifton added: “The objective was to demonstrate
that while diesel is being demonised by the government,
leading to a fall in sales of new diesel cars, it is possible to
show that a mid-size petrol engine, with its lower emissions,
can be a match for more efficient diesel. “The challenge was
no easy task and it’s a huge accomplishment to achieve the
new world record, with thanks to Fish Brothers Honda for
supplying the car and John and Tony from the AA for their
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endless enthusiasm which helped push us to the finish.”
Fergal McGrath said: “Overall we’re really pleased to achieve
this new world record for fuel efficiency and also driving
the complete journey using only one tank of fuel, which we
also believe is a world first. The Jazz is incredibly capable, a
small car but with tonnes of practicality. Its petrol engine is
brilliantly economical, as was also proved in October when
it was a winner in the MPG Marathon event. It was crucial
for us to have the AA representatives support the journey as
independent witnesses, whose van telematics were vital in
confirming the new record.”
John Snowling, AA patrol, concluded: “We parked the
van and the car under the famous signpost for the obligatory
photos and reflected on the toughness of the challenge.
“The journey took 26 hours and with only short stops for
refreshments and to change drivers. The tension turned into
a massive buzz as it seemed that we really would reach John
O’Groats without having to fill up.”
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THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018
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