Ecodrive enjoys record attendance

Publication date: 21 January 2009

The Ecodrive courses organised by the Royal Automobile Club of Catalunya (RACC) have proven so popular that attendance rose by 22 per cent in 2008 compared to the previous year.

Nearly 8,500 people attended the courses where they learnt how to economise up to 20 per cent of their fuel consumption.

The rise in participant numbers demonstrates a growing interest in this type of course both among administrations, as well as among companies and individuals. These RACC courses, supported by the Institute for Diversification and Energy Saving, aim to help motorists learn specific techniques and adjust their driving habits so as to have a direct influence on consumption.

If all the techniques are applied, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent, without reducing average speed. The reduction in fuel consumption has two advantages, as it leads to considerable economic savings but also to environmental benefits since it reduces the emission of polluting gases. Moreover, the new techniques help reduce noise pollution and costs derived from vehicle maintenance including brakes, clutch, engine and gearbox.

The RACC courses consist of four-hour sessions combining theory and practice. Practical training is supervised by specialised instructors of the RACC, and is carried out on an urban circuit. Each vehicle is fitted with an onboard computer to allow for ongoing measurement of the savings produced by each participant.