Green Car, Red Heart

LAVERTON, AUSTRALIA – October 5, 2009: Suzuki’s environmental champion – the stunning new Alto sub-light car – will headline the company’s campaign to win this month’s Global Green Challenge.

An evolution of the former World Solar Challenge, the inaugural Global Green Challenge pits conventional and alternative fuel cars against each other over a grueling 3000 km course stretching from Darwin to Adelaide.

The Alto will take part in the Eco Challenge for Production Vehicles, competing against marques including Holden, Ford, Saab and Hyundai.

Partnering Suzuki will be Kangan Batman TAFE College, with automotive engineering students preparing the car and providing back-up support throughout the event.

The Alto’s combined fuel economy of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres already ranks it amongst the most efficient petrol cars on the market however Suzuki is confident the Alto will perform even better on the open roads. Overseas the Alto has performed superbly in fuel economy trials, with tests in India returning fuel figures of less than 3 litres per 100 kilometres.

“The Alto is Suzuki’s definitive low emissions car, and the Global Green Challenge represents an excellent opportunity to showcase the car’s outstanding fuel efficiency,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Stretching 3000km from Darwin to Adelaide, the Global Green Challenge puts technology, research, manufacturing advancement and sheer determination to the test as cars like the Suzuki Alto lead the drive towards a healthier future for the planet.”

The Global Green Challenge kicks off in Darwin on October 24, stopping overnight at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Port Augusta before finishing in Adelaide on October 30.