Bianca Gonzalez represents the Philippines for the Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driving Challenge

During the challenge, Gonzalez picked up fuel efficiency tips from student teams designing the energy efficient vehicles of the future representing the country in SEM Asia. “Being at the forefront of future energy, it is our responsibility to develop smarter, more innovative products and to promote smarter energy use.

Shell Eco-marathon sparks debate about the future of mobility, while challenges like this one show how using Shell FuelSave fuels and making a few simple changes to driving habits can help customers use less energy today,” said Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Retail, Oying Yam. 

The Challenge

In the Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driving Challenge, Bianca Gonzalez braved a 120-kilometer drive in a fuel efficient Ford Fiesta, starting at the Shell Refinery in Tabangao, Batangas to Intramuros, Manila.  Shell Fuels Scientist, Mae Ascan, taught Gonzalez about the technology behind Shell FuelSave fuels and how they are designed to last longer, as well as the driving habits of Filipino motorists that affect fuel consumption. Along the drive, Gonzalez visited three of the nine universities representing the Philippines in the SEM Asia 2014, which will be held in Manila for the first time on February 6-9. These universities (De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas and Mapua Institute of Technology) served as pit stops for Gonzalez to meet student team members. The challenge culminated in Patio Victoria where all team representatives were introduced to national media.

Student Teams

Representing the Philippines are 15 teams from the country’s top engineering schools, namely: De La Salle University, University of Sto. Tomas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Technical Institute of the Philippines – Manila, Technical Institute of the Philippines – Quezon City, Don Bosco Mandaluyong, Mapua Institute of Technology, Adamson University, and University of San Carlos Cebu.

“When I met the students at their universities, it became clear to me that the students play a vital role in pushing our country towards progress,” said Gonzalez. “Young as they are, they have shown their passion and potential to help develop solutions to address issues on energy, including fuel efficiency. 

Shell Eco-marathon reminds us how important it is to empower the youth.” Showcasing their creativity and innovation in designing and building ultra energy efficient vehicles, the SEM student teams will be driving these vehicles in Manila as they attempt to travel the furthest using the least amount of energy. 

Final Celebrity Driving Challenge

On February 7, 2014, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore will be fielding their challengers when they converge in Manila. The challenge? Driving ultra energy-efficient Shell Eco-marathon vehicles built by engineering students, Gonzalez will join other famous faces in a collective feat to drive the furthest using the least amount of energy. In this challenge, the celebrities will aim to beat the total distance record set by European celebrities at Shell Eco-marathon Europe in Rotterdam in 2013. Bianca Gonzalez will be joined by Thai-English actor Alex Simon Rendell of Thailand; model and TV host, Lisa Surihani of Malaysia; and celebrity DJs and real-life couple Glenn Ong and Jean Danker of Singapore. The celebrity contributing the farthest distance will be awarded as Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driver of the Year.

“We are really pleased to have Bianca Gonzalez as our celebrity challenger. With her influence, she can best communicate that being fuel-efficient can be easy when you choose the right fuel like Shell FuelSave and make a few changes in your driving habits,” said Yam.

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For more information and/or questions, please contact: 

Roberto Kanapi

Vice President for Communications

Shell Companies in the Philippines 

Tel. 63.2.816-6087

Fax 63.2.814-6494

About Shell FuelSave fuels

Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel are our Regular priced fuels designed to last longer. Currently available in 20 countries, they contain active efficiency ingredients and are designed to improve engine efficiency from the very first tank. 

Shell has more than 100 years’ experience in creating some of the world’s most advanced fuels. We are also committed to equipping motorists with the skills needed to be more fuel efficient. In 2012, we launched the Target One Million campaign to help one million drivers around the world learn how to make their fuel last longer and have now helped more than 400,000 motorists worldwide to become more fuel efficient. Visit www.shell.com.ph/targetonemillion to find out more.

About Shell Eco-marathon

Shell Eco-marathon began in 1939 at a Shell research laboratory in the United States as a friendly wager between scientists to see who could get the most miles per gallon from their vehicle. The winner of that contest barely achieved 50 mpg (21 km/l), and from these humble origins, a more organised competition evolved. In 1985 in France, Shell Eco-marathon as we know it today was born. In April 2007 the Shell Eco-marathon Americas event was launched in the United States. In 2010, the inaugural Shell Eco-marathon Asia was held in Malaysia. Malaysia hosted Shell Eco-Marathon Asia until 2013. In 2014, the event will be held in Manila, Philippines, which will continue to host the event until 2016.