The world’s most prestigious smarter mobility competition, Shell Eco-marathon (SEM), begins today as Asia’s most fuel-efficient student designed vehicles take to the tracks for the first time in the Philippines. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada kicks off the annual mobility competition, which challenges the region’s aspiring young engineers to build vehicles of the future that can go the farthest on the least amount of energy.
The Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 brings together 109 student teams from 15 countries across Asia and the Middle East to showcase their innovations in sustainable mobility. This year, 15 Filipino teams are competing against the best of the best in Asia Pacific. In its 5th year, the SEM in Manila is different from previous competition staged in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For the first time, student-designed cars compete in a street circuit in Rizal Park, Manila as compared with the SEM Malaysia which was held in the Sepang International Circuit. Alongside Mayor Estrada, Simon Henry, Shell’s Chief Financial Officer, and Edgar Chua, Country Chairman for Shell Philippines, kicks off the competition during the flag-off ceremony.
“Every year the students amaze the judges with their passion, creativity and ingenuity as they push the boundaries of fuel efficiency and energy conservation,” said Shell’s Chief Financial Officer Simon Henry, at the flag off. “These teams represent the next generation of leaders, designers and engineers, and their commitment to finding sustainable solutions makes me confident we can together tackle the ongoing mobility and energy challenges.”
Shell FuelSave celebrity driving challenge
Happening alongside the Shell Eco-marathon is the Shell FuelSave celebrity driving challenge. During this event, four celebrities from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines compete in the final leg of the Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driving Challenge, after previously holding their individual challenges in their home countries.
Philippine representative Bianca Gonzalez, together with actor Alex Simon Rendell of Thailand; model and TV host Lisa Surihani of Malaysia; and celebrity DJ Jean Danker of Singapore take on the ultra energy-efficient Shell Eco-marathon prototype car, in a collective feat to drive the farthest using the least amount of fuel. Learning fuel efficient driving tips from the Shell Eco-marathon teams from their respective countries, the celebrities showcase how a few simple changes to driving habits, can help drivers be more fuel efficient.
Shell Energy Lab launched
Visitors at the Shell Eco-marathon Asia also join the opening of the Shell Energy Lab, an engaging (not appropriate adjective) and educational adventure that explores the future of energy, technology and mobility. The first of its kind in Asia, the Shell Energy Lab features a number of interactive displays and activities that spark reflection on the growing stresses on the world’s resources. Guests of all ages can experience a variety of activities such as the Kinetic Energy Dance Floor, Energy Generators, Kinetic Energy Dance Floor and Mini Shell Eco-marathon competition.
To commemorate Shell’s 100 years in the Philippines, the Shell Energy Lab also takes visitors to a journey of Shell’s history in the country - starting from a small trading office in Manila to a major refinery and exploration hub.
Shell Eco-marathon has four Global Partners:
HP: Official Global Information Technology (IT) Partner
Michelin: Official Global Paddock Partner and Tyre Supplier
The Linde Group: Official Global Paddock Partner
Southwest Research Institute: Official Global Paddock Partner
Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 is held in partnership with the Philippine Government: Department of Tourism, Department of Energy and the City of Manila. Private sector partners are Unilever Philippines, Solane, Coca-Cola, Globe, Lego and Hyundai.
For more information on all Shell Eco-marathon events across the globe, including official rules, instructions for registration and details on prizes, please visit the Shell Eco-marathon website at www.shell.com/ecomarathon.
Full list of teams:
| No. | Country/Territory | No. of Teams |
| 1 | Brunei Darussalam | 5 |
| 2 | China | 3 |
| 3 | Egypt | 2 |
| 4 | India | 13 |
| 5 | Indonesia | 18 |
| 6 | Lebanon | 2 |
| 7 | Malaysia | 16 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 8 |
| 9 | Philippines | 15 |
| 10 | Qatar | 3 |
| 11 | Singapore | 4 |
| 12 | South Korea | 2 |
| 13 | Thailand | 11 |
| 14 | United Arab Emirates | 2 |
| 15 | Vietnam | 5 |
| Total | 109 |
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