Shell Teams Up with Husband and Wife Team to Challenge World Fuel Economy Record and Share Tips to Reduce Fuel Consumption Through the Shell "Smarter Driving" Program

HOUSTON, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As global energy demand continues to rise, Shell is helping to improve energy use for transportation through Smarter Mobility. Demonstrating that improved fuel efficiency is possible today, the Shell Smarter Driving program helps inform motorists on how to make the most of their fuel purchases and our natural energy resources. As current diesel and gasoline fuel efficiency record holders, the Taylors kicked off their ultimate fuel efficiency road trip in Houston this past weekend to see how far they can go in an unmodified hybrid vehicle.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120412/DA86661)

The Taylors and Shell are teaming up once again to set another lowest fuel consumption record while driving solely with New Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines along their 23-day route, in which they will stop at Shell stations to fill their tank and share tips on how to drive more efficiently. This year, they also put Pennzoil Platinum® 0W20 under the hood, a full synthetic lubricant designed for hybrid engines. 

In August 2011, the Taylors completed their 23-day, 48 contiguous U.S. state tour and achieved an astounding average of 64.42 miles per gallon in an unmodified, non-hybrid gasoline vehicle by using tips from the Shell Smarter Driving program and using Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines exclusively along their route.

The Shell Smarter Driving program and the Taylors' latest record attempt will demonstrate how anyone can drive smarter by performing proper vehicle maintenance, changing driving behaviors, and using  high-quality products at the right price through money saving programs.

The Taylors are known worldwide for their Fuel Academy, where they travel the world educating motorists on ways to drive more effectively and efficiently. With 89 world records, 43 for fuel economy, between them, Helen and John Taylor are considered the world's most fuel efficient drivers. Shell has been teaming up with John and Helen Taylor for many years as the official fuel of their record attempts to travel the farthest distance with the least amount of fuel.

''By setting out for another fuel economy record using practical tips, we're excited to show everyday motorists how they can become more fuel efficient drivers through the Shell Smarter Driving program," said Helen Taylor. "Since 1982, we've been educating others about how to drive more efficiently and how they can reduce their fuel consumption and maximize efficiency. We are confident that we'll set another record on this tour while offering consumers easy tips to save money on the road and at the pump."

The Taylors will drive throughout the 48 contiguous states before celebrating their finale in Houston later this month. Along their journey, the Taylors will record official stops at Shell stations to fill their tank and share their learnings, smarter driving tips, and ways to save on fuel.

To learn more about the Shell Smarter Driving Program and tips and the Taylors' latest record attempt, visit www.Shell.us/smarterdriving or go to www.facebook.com/shell. 

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

• Maintenance:  Performing smart vehicle maintenance before you drive. For example, keeping your engine well tuned and repairing any problems immediately. If your car has failed an emissions test or is noticeably out of tune, repairing the problem could improve your gasoline mileage by 4% on average  
• Actions: Practicing smart behaviors or actions while you're behind the wheel. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gasoline mileage by 5 percent at lower speeds around town and by 33 percent at highway speeds.
• Products: Purchasing smart products and services at the right price without sacrificing quality. Lower-quality gasolines can leave harmful carbon deposits or "gunk," which can build up on intake valves and fuel injectors negatively impacting engine performance, vehicle responsiveness and reduction of fuel flow – all potentially leading to reduced fuel economy. During their current record attempt, the Taylors will exclusively use the New Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines which contain 20% more cleaning agents than before, helping protect engines intake valves and fuel injectors from performance-robbing gunk.  No other gasoline protects better.

About John and Helen Taylor
The Taylors are passionate about fuel economy. They have two companies, Fuel Academy and Eco2driving where they run global education programs, to teach drivers how to reduce their fuel consumption, reduce CO2 emissions, save money and drive smarter and safer. Between them, Helen and John hold 89 world records of which 43 are for fuel economy

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SOURCE Shell