CAA SCO sponsors Eco-Drive Showcase

THORNHILL, ON, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - With gas prices in the GTA hovering around $1.27 per litre, drivers are looking for ways to improve their vehicle's fuel efficiency while saving money at the gas pumps.

At this year's Canadian International AutoShow, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is sponsoring the Eco-Drive Showcase featuring clean and fuel-efficient vehicles and technologies. Visitors can test their eco-driving knowledge and skills in the DriveWise simulator and can enter CAA's "Drive to Win" contest for a chance to drive off in AJAC's Canadian Car of the Year.

"Motorists have a responsibility to help sustain the environment. Drivers making small eco choices such as combining trips, reducing highway speed and car pooling can lead to significant changes that will help reduce the negative impact on the planet," said Nick Parks, President & CEO, CAA SCO.

CAA's Top 5 Eco-Driving Tips:

•     Keep tires properly inflated and service your vehicle regularly
•     Remove excess weight such as roof racks, when not in use, and items from your trunk
•     Reduce highway speed; use cruise control. Fuel consumption increases above 90 km/hr
•     Avoid jackrabbit starts and hard braking
•     Combine your trips to save fuel and time; consider car pooling

CAA SCO is working with Plug'nDrive Ontario to promote the use of electric vehicles (EV) as a way to reduce environmental impacts and educate consumers on fuel-efficient technologies.

The benefits of an EV include:

•     Significantly lower CO2 emissions
•     Significantly lower fuel costs
•     Lower maintenance costs
•     Use local electricity instead of oil
•     Safe and fun to drive

"By charging at night when both electricity prices and emissions are lowest, the EV driver can 'fill up' for less than $2 and at the same time reduce their CO₂ emissions by about 90 per cent compared to a gas powered car," said Cara Clairman, President & CEO, Plugn'Drive Ontario. "The Eco-Drive Showcase sponsored by CAA gives consumers a fantastic opportunity to view these amazing cars in one place and to learn more about how EVs are good for the environment and your wallet."

Meanwhile, CAA members can save $5 on the price of admission to the AutoShow when purchasing tickets online www.caasco.com/autoshow.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and 5 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance. Visit www.caasco.com.

Plug'nDrive Ontario is a nonprofit working with partners to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and maximize their environmental and economic benefits through education, research and infrastructure projects.

For further information:

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Internal/External PR Specialist, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].