Consumers Can Benefit From Smarter Driving Program

HOUSTON, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- John and Helen Taylor, known as the world's most fuel-efficient couple, are more than half way through their latest drive through the 48 contiguous U.S. states to demonstrate how everyday motorists can use simple tips from the Shell Smarter Driving program to stretch their fuel purchases. As the current fuel-efficiency record holders for similar runs using gasoline and diesel, the Taylors are now attempting to use the least amount of gasoline while driving an unmodified hybrid vehicle. Their drive is fuelled exclusively by New Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines to demonstrate that fuel efficiency doesn't mean sacrificing quality.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120419/DA90351)

''At Shell, we're very excited to be teaming up again with the Taylors as they travel across the U.S. on what they hope will be another record-setting trip.  We find that more than ever before, motorists are looking for ways to save at the pump and improve their fuel efficiency," said Elen Philips, Vice President, Shell Fuels Sales and Marketing North America. "Working with the Taylors as part of the 2012 Shell Smarter Driving Challenge gives us the opportunity to help motorists make small changes that can make a big difference.''

Take the Smarter Driving IQ Test:

As the Taylors wind their way across the country, Shell offers everyone an opportunity to test their Smarter Driving IQ online to see if they are making the most of their fuel purchases and to get useful tips through the Shell Smarter Driving program at www.shell.us/smarterdriving.

The Shell Smarter Driving program and the latest road trip by the Taylors show how everyone can use fuel more efficiently through vehicle maintenance, changing simple driving behaviors, saving money on high-quality products and following a simple "MAP" to Smarter Driving, which includes:

• Maintenance: Performing smart vehicle maintenance before you drive.
• Actions: Practicing smart behaviors or actions while you're behind the wheel.
• Products: Purchasing smart products and services at the right price without sacrificing quality.

Follow the Taylors:

Follow the Taylors on the Shell Smarter Driving program website or Twitter with #2012.ShellSDC. See their 48-state itinerary, latest location and road trip pictures and read their comments and tips from the road. After starting in Houston on April 7, the Taylors were half way through their trip when they stopped in Boston on April 13.  They will end their journey back in Houston in early May.

Throughout their trip, the Taylors have been using the new Shell Motorist app (available from the App Store), which has shown them the location of the nearest Shell station and provided the best route to their destinations, as well as other helpful information.

"We've seen so much of this vast country, from the charming South to New York City's impressive skyline to stunning scenery all across the Midwest, and now we're looking forward to experiencing the West Coast," said John Taylor. "Helen and I have been testing fuel efficiency for the last 30 years so we know first-hand there are easy ways for people to enjoy travelling while also using fuel more efficiently. The Shell Smarter Driving program can help folks stretch their fuel farther on the road. It certainly has for us."

Check out these impressive results:

Such a long road trip is not new for the Taylors. In August 2011, they completed their first Smarter Driving road trip, a 23-day tour through the 48 contiguous U.S. states, averaging an astounding 64.42 miles per gallon in an unmodified non-hybrid gasoline vehicle by using tips from the Shell Smarter Driving program and Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines exclusively along their route. The Taylors achieved more than 50 percent greater fuel efficiency than the Environmental Protection Agency's estimated highway fuel economy for the vehicle they drove, and they surpassed the minimum requirement of 54.5 mpg announced by the government for passenger vehicles to achieve by 2025.

To learn more about Smarter Mobility, go to www.shell.com/smartermobility.

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SOURCE Shell Oil Company