[2020 Akyung Fuel Efficiency King] "I'm an Eco Driver Too"... The 13th Fuel Efficiency King Competition Opens

On the 14th, participants are taking a commemorative photo at the '2020 Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition' held at the Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Headquarters in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The 13th Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition, the only event hosted by a domestic media company to select the fuel efficiency king, opened on the 14th at Seohanam IC (Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Area Headquarters).

Now in its 13th year, the Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition selects eco drivers with environmentally friendly driving habits. Over the past 12 years, about 920 teams have participated. Despite the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), 55 teams fiercely competed this year, solidifying its status as the largest fuel efficiency competition in the country.

The competition covers a total distance of 106.4 km (approximately 90 minutes based on 70 km driving), starting from Seohanam IC, passing Hanam JCT, Dongseoul TG, Hobup JCT, turning around at Deokpyeong Rest Area, then passing Singal JCT, Seoul TG, Pangyo JCT, Seongnam TG, and returning to Seohanam IC.

On the 14th, the Renault Samsung Twizy electric car was exhibited at the '2020 Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition' held at the Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Headquarters in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

For fair judging, the competition was divided by vehicle type and engine displacement. The categories included ▲Domestic passenger gasoline over 2000CC ▲Domestic passenger gasoline 1600CC~2000CC ▲Domestic passenger gasoline under 1600CC ▲Domestic RV & SUV diesel ▲Imported gasoline ▲Imported diesel, totaling six groups. Additionally, non-competitive races for electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles were held.

Among the participating teams, one grand prize winner received a fuel gift certificate worth 1 million KRW, and ten group fuel efficiency kings each received fuel gift certificates worth 500,000 KRW.

Lee Ui-cheol, CEO of Asia Economy, said in his opening remarks, "Eco driving refers to a scientific driving method that avoids bad driving habits such as sudden starts, rapid acceleration, sudden stops, and idling, and improves fuel efficiency by adhering to economical speeds." He added, "Fuel saving not only drastically reduces carbon dioxide emissions but also lowers the risk of traffic accidents by driving at a slower pace, achieving a triple benefit." He continued, "I thank everyone who has participated in the Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition, which was first held by a domestic media company in 2008 and is now in its 13th year."

On the 14th, at the Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Headquarters in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province, Kim Pil-su, the chief judge, is explaining the competition at the '2020 Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Contest.' / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

Professor Kim Pil-su of Daelim University’s Department of Automotive Engineering, who participated as a judge, said, "The Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition is the only fuel efficiency competition in the country." He added, "Since it is expected to take more than 20 years to transition fully to electric vehicles, the importance of eco driving will be further emphasized."

He continued, "Safety is the top priority in eco driving. Maintaining an appropriate speed while avoiding rapid acceleration and sudden stops is the best eco driving method."

On the 14th, participants are checking tires at the '2020 Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition' held at the Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Headquarters in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition was hosted by Asia Economy Newspaper and sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Korea Expressway Corporation, and Korea Eco-Drive Association.

The competition was planned to elevate the eco-drive movement to a nationwide project amid growing interest in eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrid and electric cars.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.