From motorbikes to cars, trucks to taxis, the streets in and around London will be overrun with green-mobiles on Sunday (31 July) as the Bridgestone Eco-Rally returns for its fifth consecutive year.

Commencing on Broad Street, Oxford, a cavalcade of the world’s most advanced and fuel efficient vehicles will drive to The Mall, London, via a pit-stop in Watford’s BRE Innovation Centre, as part of the UK’s largest sustainable transport exhibition.

Event organisers Revolve; an organisation committed to the development of zero-emission transport, claim that with ever-rising fuel costs hitting drivers in the wallet, this year’s event is even more pertinent. Indeed, among the cars on display this Sunday will be the Nissan Leaf – which can do 100 miles for £2 – alongside all-electric cars such as the Tesla roadster and Mitsubishi i-MiEV that cost as little as £1.50 to cover the same distance.

Research carried out by Revolve in 2010 showed that almost a quarter of people in the UK would not consider buying or driving an eco-friendly vehicle. Furthermore, of that number, 43 per cent believed electric and hydrogen-powered cars and motorbikes would be a hassle to fill up or charge. Not so, said Revolve’s Steven Glaser.

“Every year the technology moves on and the offering to consumers becomes ever more real,” explained Mr Glaser. “This year’s event promises to be a different proposition with even more groundbreaking vehicles – including two, three, four and even six-wheelers – together with a fresh route and iconic landmarks as backdrops to add an exciting new twist.”

Car manufacturers such as Mitsubishi, Volvo, Aston Martin, Lotus, Nissan, Ford, Tesla, Delta and Honda have already signed up, as well as celebrity drivers to be unveiled on the day.

Bridgestone’s Andy Dingley promised the 2011 event would be ‘bigger and better’ than ever, adding that it was a unique opportunity to inform the public about the greener transport options available.

He said: “Most people don’t realise that the UK has some of the most economical and eco-friendly vehicles in the world. We need to shout about them and that is why this event is so fantastic – it showcases the vehicles of now and the vehicles of the future.”

For more details on the Bridgestone Eco-Rally click here.

Sam Plester

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