As part of its global ‘Make the Future’ live programme, Shell Oman recently announced that Malaysia will be hosting Shell Eco-marathon Asia for 2019. The Sultanate will be participating with a contingent of two futuristic cars from National University of Science and Technology and German University of Technology competing in Prototype Gasoline Category and Prototype Hydrogen Category, in hopes to be crowned as the most energy-efficient vehicle.
Between April 29th to May 2nd 2019, over 100 diverse teams from across Asia and the Middle East will demonstrate their self-built energy-efficient, eco-friendly cars in the Shell Eco-marathon Mileage Challenge. This will test to see who can go the farthest distance by using the least amount of energy. In 2018, Singapore hosted the marathon, where the winning team was capable of traveling 2,341 kilometres on just one litre of fuel.
“Shell Eco-marathon Asia is an inspiring event that supports Shell’s vision of sustainable mobility – more energy efficient vehicles and cleaner road transport. It’s really impressive to see student teams from the Sultanate applying their skills to see who can design and build the most fuel-efficient vehicle, challenging them to think outside of the box.” said Muna Al Shukaili, GM – External Relations and Social Investment Lead at Shell Development Oman.
Burair Al Lawati, Shell Oman Marketing Company’s Social Investment, External and Government Relations Manager said, “Shell Oman leverages a global Shell network of Research and Development (R&D) centres to deliver innovation and pioneering technologies with consistent world-class fuel products and services for our customers in Oman.”
He added, “Shell Eco-marathon is an opportunity for young innovators from Oman to take part in a global dialogue and platform on the future of mobility and energy efficiency. It is designed to grow innovative minds and build a strong workforce for Oman, as teams from all over the world come together to collaborate, communicate, exchange knowledge, and combine disciplines towards achieving their goals.”
Teams will also have the opportunity to qualify for the Shell Eco-marathon ‘Drivers’ World Championship’. Introduced to the programme in 2016, the championship challenges the best Urban Concept teams who are capable of combining energy efficiency of their car with speed and skill of their driver, in a race to see who can cross the finish line first using the least amount of fuel. Qualified teams will then travel to London for a chance to compete with teams from Europe and the Americas.
“Every year, we see an increasing standard of performance, as well as team spirit and passion, among the student participants at Shell Eco-marathon Asia. The Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is the perfect venue to witness new innovations in vehicle design come to life. We look forward to another exciting year at Shell Eco-marathon Asia.” said Shanna Simmons, Shell Eco-marathon Global Technical Director.
Held at Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, the competition returns to where it was first held in 2010, celebrating its 10th year of challenging bright young students in science, technology, engineering and maths, as they push the boundaries of what is possible.
For more information on Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2019, please visit: https://www.shell.com/make-the-future/shell-ecomarathon/asia.html