Racing towards sustainability

By Wang Lan (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-10-30 14:25

With the same quota of one-litre gasoline allocated to each racing car, the one that has the most gasoline left in the fuel tank after covering the regulated distance of the trip will be the winner.

"The experience of Honda Econo Power Race provides the opportunity to approach the latest technology in dealing with environmental problems, " said Chen Li, a teacher of Tongji University's automobile college, which will lead the Tongji University team to take part in this year's race.

"With the knowledge I have gained about the Honda Econo Power Race with a history of 26 years, I am moved by the fever the Japanese have shown in environmental protection. I am inspired by their creative work and feel like having a go, " said Zhang Jing, a student representing the Tongji University team.

Attracting an increasing number of teams, Econo Power race defines its charm by providing a platform to apply and test innovative technologies related to energy efficiency. It also enhances communication among different countries.

Apart from aiming to reduce energy consumption of cars and motorcycles, the world's auto giant has also done a lot of work in other areas to push forward the cause of environmental protection, ranging from building environmentally friendly plants equipped with leading-edge facilities, alleviating the density of carbon dioxide released into the air, developing sustainable resources like solar energy batteries, launching technologies for diesel-fuelled engines and applying recycled materials to the manufacture of cars.

In the coming three to five years, the Econo Power Race is expected to see wider participation from other cities of China, including Beijing and Guangzhou, after its debut in Shanghai. And more teams will be included in future races, with closer ties to universities, according to the website of Honda Motor China.

"We will spare no efforts to contribute to China's environmental protection. Taking a leading position in the auto manufacturing industry, we want to set an example for others to follow," said Yasuo Ikenoya, "It will surely generate added costs to our products, but it is worthwhile for us to maintain sustainable development in China, whose prosperity requires a balanced interaction between economic growth and environmental protection, " he added.

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