Mitsubishi Materials Solar Car Places 5th in Solar-Powered Race

08/09/96

Nikkei English News reported that Mitsubishi materials' SUN Challenger placed fifth out of 69 entrants in Japan's biggest solar-powered car race in Ogata, Akita Prefecture, on July 26. The carmaker will take the vehicle to compete at the World Solar Challenge '96, the world's largest solar-powered race, to be held in Australia in late October.

The SUN Challenger weighs about 170 kg, and makes use of technologies and materials provided by group firms. The vehicle is digitally controlled and cost about $280,000.

Participants in the Akita race included Universities, companies and individuals. The GW model from George Washington University in the U.S. won the race.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel