Some Malaysians have been going to extraordinary lengths to save fuel and cut driving costs, according to The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report, a new study released today. The study, which analyses the behaviour of 1,000 Malaysian drivers aged 18 to 40, reveals that while 90% see being fuel efficient as important, 81% admit they don’t know how.
For example, 68% of drivers believe warming up their engine before setting off will make them more fuel efficient, while 64% think filling up at night when it is cooler does the same trick. Similarly, many drivers think they conserve fuel when they keep the engine running to avoid restarts (53%, frequently change gears up and down (53%), and drive slowly all the time (42%). Shockingly, over a third (35%) even believe ‘burping’ their cars to release air pockets in the tank will help them save fuel.
Commenting on the findings, Azman Ismail, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd, said: “The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report, as part of our programme on smarter mobility, shows just how important saving fuel is to motorists, along with the incredible ways they try to be more fuel efficient. Some of the beliefs revealed through the study were actually wasting fuel rather than helping to conserve it, which is where Shell can help Malaysians.”
To help sort fact from fiction, Shell is out to turn the nation’s myth-followers into fuel efficiency pros by demonstrating more effective ways to drive smartly. They are also encouraged to use Shell FuelSave 95 and Diesel, fuels that are designed to last longer – the ideal choice for those who are conscious about fuel economy. These fuels are accompanied by Shell V-Power 97 and Shell V-Power Racing, designed for improved performance.
Malaysia’s Next Generation of Fuel Efficiency Pros To Lead The Way
The study further revealed that drivers are looking to scientists (76%) and engineers (72%) to help them save fuel and energy in the future. “Given the findings, Shell’s ongoing commitment to smarter mobility through key initiatives like Shell Eco-marathon Asia is a great way to nurture the next generation of Malaysia’s science and engineering talent to lead the way,” said Azman.
This coming 26 February – 1 March 2015, students from 14 Malaysian universities will be heading to Manila, Philippines to participate in Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2015, which challenges student teams to design, build and test ultra-energy efficient vehicles of tomorrow. They will compete against more than 130 teams from Asia, the Middle East and Australia in the world’s biggest fuel efficiency competition.
As part of their preparations for Shell Eco-marathon Asia, the students recently met with Fahrin Ahmad, Shell FuelSave ambassador, to be the first to learn about the results of the Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report. The students will use the report findings, along with the knowledge gained through Shell Eco-marathon Asia, to better educate the public on fuel efficiency, starting with their families, friends and peers.
According to Fahrin, “It’s time for Malaysians to separate fact from fiction – and I’m glad to do my part in helping all of us become more fuel efficient!” As Shell’s FuelSave ambassador, Fahrin will team up with Shell Fuels Scientists and student teams at the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2015 in Manila to test some of the most-believed fuel saving myths and reveal the truth about fuel efficiency. He will then put this knowledge to the test when he participates in the Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driving Challenge, joining other famous faces in the region to drive the furthest using the least amount of fuel.
To learn more about Shell Eco-marathon and discover top tips on how to make your fuel last longer, visit www.shell.com.my. Source for all statistics in this document unless otherwise indicated: The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report conducted by Edelman Berland, December 2014.
