Honda News homepage

02/07/2007 - Honda helps power schools initiative

Pupil power is set to return to the Rockingham Motor Speedway this week (4/5 July) for the second Shell Eco-Marathon UK Schools Initiative in partnership with Honda (UK).

The Shell Eco-marathon UK is open to any school or education establishment, as well as organisations, private entries or any other form of team. Sixteen teams of 11-14 year olds from 16 schools will demonstrate their engineering abilities by designing and building a vehicle to cover the greatest distance using the smallest amount of fuel.

For the second year running Honda (UK) has provided each school with a GX31 engine – a 31cm mini 4-stroke engine capable of 360° inclinable operation commonly used to power lawn and garden equipment. Teams will compete using futuristic streamlined prototypes, the main design considerations being to reduce drag and maximise efficiency.

"It’s fantastic to be involved in this initiative again," said Iain Radcliffe, Marketing Communications Manager, Honda (UK) Power Equipment. "Honda has a vested interested in the project. Not only is it the perfect platform to promote young engineering talent but it also allows us to give something back to the community."

Teams will also benefit from Honda’s legendary engineering as ‘mentors’ offer their pearls of wisdom to those wishing to benefit from expert advice.

Norman Koch, organiser of the Shell Eco-marathon UK commented: "The Shell Eco-marathon encourages pupils, students and enthusiasts from across the UK to examine and enhance their knowledge of sustainable mobility. This is an important step in achieving goals with regard to climate change and sustainable development. The Shell Eco-marathon is an ideal project to give them the educational platform to explore and experiment."

Further underlining Honda’s enthusiasm for its involvement in the Shell Eco-Marathon UK Schools Initiative, film crews from Japan and Europe will be covering the 2007 event. This footage will be featured in a wide range of Honda Power Equipment’s internal and external communications to showcase the company’s global commitment to its ‘helping people get things done’ corporate message.

For more information on Honda products visit www.honda.co.uk or call 0845 200 8000.