The third annual Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Eco-Run successfully completed its three-day journey on May 8, rolling into Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza from Whistler for a consumer show in front of the 2010 Winter Olympics cauldron. Unfortunately, the sunny weather that had followed the 18-vehicle fleet north to Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton the previous two days, ended abruptly with a downpour just as the wrap-up ceremonies in the downtown plaza were about to begin.
Before the rain arrived however, the 18 AJAC journalists/drivers were able to enjoy a stopover at the new Sea-to-Sky Gondola attraction in Squamish, where they were given a media preview, climbing 885 metres above the Howard Sound fjord for a spectacular view. The attraction, expected to attract 200,000 visitors annually, officially opens May 16.
While Eco-Run is not a race, it did include an internal competition among participants to determine who was the most fuel-efficient driver. The coveted Eco-Run Green Jersey Award was won by veteran AJAC journalist Jim Kenzie, who led the field through all three days of driving. Kenzie edged out colleagues Ted Laturnus and Charles Renny.
Since the outset, the AJAC Eco-Run has been designed to showcase the latest advances in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions being offered to consumers, as well as demonstrating ways Canadians can reduce their vehicle fuel costs by modifying their driving habits.
Twelve of Canada’s leading automotive manufacturers contributed to this year’s fleet, which included pure EVs, plug-in and conventional hybrids and high-efficiency gasoline and diesel-fuelled internal combustion powertrains. The entries were 2014 and 2015 model-year compacts and subcompacts, family sedans and crossovers, even a premium sports sedan and a pickup truck and they were driven by 18 AJAC journalists from across Canada who had undertaken special training in eco-driving techniques. Through their numerous media outlets across the country, the journalists share their experiences as they report, not only on the Eco-Run itself but also how to drive vehicles more efficiently and save costs for consumers at the pumps.
Each vehicle participating in Eco-Run was fitted with a special monitoring device developed by Cross Chasm, which recorded fuel consumption, as well as the driving technique of those behind the wheel. The results reflect fuel consumption in real-world driving conditions with data posted on the AJAC website (www.ajac.ca) so consumers can compare those results and make informed decisions when deciding on their next vehicle purchase.
Participating sponsors in the third annual Eco-Run included not only Natural Resources Canada, which has been a key part of EcoRun since the event’s inception, but also the CAA National office and the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. which provided significant support. Additional sponsors also included the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, B.C. as well as BC Hydro, Cross Chasm, Stantec, Pemberton Lodge and Sun Country Highway.
