Ford Fiesta & Autocar India's new mileage marathon breaks national record

Company Brief

Bangalore, March 19, 2008

Autocar India and Ford Fiesta's Duratorq TDCi have done it again! The two have partnered to establish yet another record-breaking feat, Bangalore-Mumbai Mileage Marathon on a single tank of fuel. In doing so, they have set a new mileage record of 33.4 km/ litre under real road conditions.

Autocar India’s team of three drivers drove the Ford Fiesta 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCI diesel for a distance of 996.7kms between Bangalore and Mumbai using only 29.8-litres of diesel. The Ford Fiesta used for this Mileage Marathon did not undergo any modifications or changes.

The drive was flagged-off from Ford's dealership Metro Ford in Bangalore on 16th of February 2008. The car’s fuel tank was topped up and sealed at the start. A team of experts from Ernst & Young and Motor Sports Association of India supervised and audited the challenge.

Recording an average speed of 46.5kph, the Fiesta took 24 hours & 20 minutes to cover the distance. The Fiesta encountered different terrain – from the great Golden Quadrilateral, to patches of bad roads, traffic jams and the occasional stray cow! This ensured that the car was driven in real-world traffic conditions.

Scott McCormack, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford India, flagged-in the cars on 17th February, at SC Ford in Mumbai.

'I am extremely excited that Ford Fiesta is part of this record breaking initiative, more so because this Marathon has been on real Indian road conditions. This is further endorsement of the quality and efficiency of Fiesta’s modern and superior Duratorq TDCi Diesel engine and Ford’s world-class automotive technology. Always known for great performance and handling, Fiesta Diet Diesel boasts of unmatched mileage that can exceed customers' expectation and benefit them hugely.'

A team of three drivers from Autocar India – Manish Sarser, Ouseph Chacko and Vivek Bhat – took turns driving the car. Sagar Sethi of Ernst & Young was present in the car throughout the journey to certify the run. Priyank Mazmudar of MAI was present to monitor the event.

Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India said 'The purpose of this exercise was not just to create a record. It was to demonstrate that using the correct driving techniques, and a highly fuel efficient car like the Fiesta, everyone can stretch that litre of precious fuel. We had already set a record with Ford Fiesta Duratorq at the Max Mileage Marathon in 2006. Hence, it was the natural choice for us when we attempted to undertake the Bangalore-Mumbai Mileage Marathon.'

In July 2006, Autocar India and Ford Fiesta had entered the Limca Book of Records in a first-of-its-kind Max Mileage Marathon, recording the longest distance ever traveled on a single tank of diesel and petrol.

The mileage recorded at that event was 31.48kpl, at the Vehicle Research & Development Establishment in Ahmednagar. As this was done in test conditions, both Ford and Autocar were really motivated with the challenge of trying such a run in real world driving conditions. And thus, the Bangalore-Mumbai drive was conceptualized.

The results have been really successful and prove that the TDCi Duratorq Diesel engines used in the Fiesta is designed to deliver superior and class leading mileage and a healthy torque curve, ensuring an outstanding driving experience.

For further information, please contact:

Prachi Deshpande

Tel: 91 -22 -24450991-6

e-mail: prachi.deshpande@cmcgindia.com