2014 AJAC EcoRun Set for Vancouver May 6-9

VANCOUVER, March 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Planning for the 2014 AJAC EcoRun is shifting into high gear. The official announcement of the third edition of this event was made by 2014 AJAC EcoRun chairman Clare Dear at a breakfast news conference Tuesday marking the opening of the media preview of the Vancouver International Auto Show. After touring Southwestern Ontario during the initial EcoRun two years ago and staging last year's drive in the Montreal area, this year AJAC is taking the event west to Vancouver May 6-9. There are about 20 vehicles entered representing 12 manufacturers, with the types of vehicles ranging from pure electrics to a high-end sports sedan and a diesel pickup.

EcoRun has a two-fold purpose – to showcase the latest fuel-efficient and emission-reducing technologies being offered by automakers, as well as demonstrating to Canadians more fuel-efficient ways to drive their vehicles and reduce their pain at the pumps. EcoRun is not a competition – no winner is declared. AJAC members will drive several different vehicles over the three days, while each vehicle's fuel consumption will be monitored throughout the event. Results will be posted so consumers can see how vehicles in various categories and with various powertrains perform in typical, everyday driving.

This year, EcoRun III starts May 6 in Vancouver and follows a route to Whistler and back, arriving in Vancouver on May 8. Numerous stops are planned along the way, providing opportunities for the public to learn more about the vehicles, technologies and driving techniques, as well as providing the AJAC drivers with potential story leads at several interesting venues. The BC Attorney General is scheduled to wave the green flag and several mayors are expected to welcome the group to their communities along the route.

On May 9, a new feature will be introduced – an EcoRun consumer show at the New Vancouver Convention Centre in the heart of the city. The goal is to attract the public to not only see the EcoRun vehicles and meet the drivers, but also have an opportunity to hone their fuel-efficient driving skills in a driving simulator and on a loop using city streets.

EcoRun can only exist with the support of its partners. Natural Resources Canada has been a key part of EcoRun since the event's inception and has just agreed to a three-year partnership with AJAC and its EcoRun program. The CAA National office, which has also supported the event since Day One, is a major sponsor again this year. The New Car Dealers Association of BC is also providing significant financial support, with additional funding being provided by the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC. Sun Country Highway is helping arrange logistical support for the electric vehicles. Additional support, both financial and in kind, is in the works.

SOURCE: Automobile Journalists Association of Canada

contact Siobhan Duffield at AJAC ([email protected]) or EcoRun chairman Clare Dear at [email protected].