The gauntlet has been thrown down to find New Zealand's most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars in the 2008 AA Energywise Rally- and vehicle manufacturers have responded in record numbers.

64 cars have been entered in the four day rally to be held in November, up from 52 in 2006 when it was last held. Entries have come from all but two of New Zealand's major car manufacturers and distributors. This year's participants include BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Holden, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Subaru, Suzuki and Volkswagen.

The AA Energywise Rally is held every two years and is jointly organised by the AA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), and Gull Petroleum New Zealand.

Vehicles are pitted against each other in six different categories for the title of the most fuel efficient in each class. The supreme winner is the vehicle that costs the least to run over the whole rally.

Stella Stocks, General Manager AA Technical Services, says "with fuel costs on the rise, everyone is looking for ways to make the most of each tank of fuel. The AA Energywise Rally shows that choosing an efficient car can save drivers significant amounts of fuel and money. It also is really great to see so many manufacturers and distributors getting involved in what has now become a very popular event on the New Zealand motoring calendar."

EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill says the Rally also demonstrates that small changes to the way people drive can make a significant impact on their fuel consumption.

"Drivers in the Rally will be challenged to drive as efficiently as possible. It's incredible what a difference it makes. By using a few simple efficient driving techniques you can cut your fuel use by as much as 20%. That is like having two months free fuel.

Gull Petroleum, known for giving value to Kiwi motorists, is the major sponsor and will provide the petrol and diesel for all rally vehicles.

Gull New Zealand Limited General Manager Dave Bodger says "Gull understands how fuel costs affect New Zealand families, that is why we always look to have the best deal in the market. In addition everyone can really save money by looking at how they drive. The AA Energywise Rally is a fantastic vehicle for promoting fuel efficient driving and Gull is happy to again sponsor this event and to assist motorists in saving dollars."

The AA Energywise Rally begins on Monday 24 November. The winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Auckland on Thursday 27 November.

For more information about the AA Energywise Rally visit www.aaenergywiserally.org.nz

For more information contact
Stella Stocks
General Manager Technical Services
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 966 8908
M. +64 21 772 242
E. sstocks@aa.co.nz

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.