How far can a car go on one-litre of gasoline? It is a challenge not only for drivers, who must pay for gas, but also for car manufacturers, who are facing strong demand from governments and the public to produce more environmentally friendly cars.

Honda Motor China is one of the car-makers in China to confront this challenge. It is showing its concern for the environment by organizing an annual Honda Econo Power Race.

The 2006 event, to be held on November 11 in Shanghai, is expected to bring to Chinese people a new concept of auto racing, which emphasises not only speed but also energy efficiency.

"The participants will compete to maximize the energy contained in one-litre of gasoline.
The aim is to make people realize the value of energy for themselves and to learn to treasure natural resources," said Yasuo Ikenoya, managing director of Honda Motor China.

China has chosen to stage the energy efficient race for the first time following Japan and Thailand, although the country has already sent a total of 7 teams to participate in the races since 2000.

The Honda Econo Power Race, initiated in 1981, enjoys a wide popularity in countries including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Russia.

With a history of 26 years, the longest distance on record for one litre of gas is 3,435.325 kilometres, which was set in the Econo Power Race in 2001.

The teams participating in the race need to construct the racing cars by themselves.
With only a 125cc engine provided by Honda, the participants are free to choose their remaining components such as outer materials and tyres, providing the car is not only energy efficient but also safe to drive in a race.

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