WLTP Challenge 2019 to test fleet vehicles’ real-world fuel efficiency

There’s less than a month to go until the Fleet World WLTP Challenge 2019 gets underway, putting some of the leading fleet vehicles and powertrains to the test to prove their official fuel figures are representative of real-world driving.

Although it’s been a year since the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) came into effect for all new cars bar run-out models, uncertainty over manufacturer fuel/CO2 figures remains despite the switch to the more stringent test cycle.

That’s where the WLTP Challenge 2019 can help. The spiritual successor to the long-standing and hugely successful MPG Marathon, the WLTP Challenge is a one-day economy driving event that will show fleet drivers and private motorists that the new quoted WLTP figures are representative of real-world driving and that, in many cases, vehicles will exceed these figures – whether they are powered by petrol, diesel, hydrogen or electric.

Run in association with event partners ALD Automotive, Airmax Remote, IAM RoadSmart, RAC, Vehicle Livery Solutions and Chevin Fleet Solutions, the event will start and finish in Bristol, putting vehicles to the test on around 250 miles of everyday routes around the Midlands to show what they are capable of in real-world driving, on real UK roads. Results will be published in the November issue of Fleet World magazine.

Commenting on the event, Fleet World publisher and event organiser Jerry Ramsdale said: “In addition to restoring both fleet and consumer confidence in manufacturer fuel/CO2 figures, the overriding message of the WLTP Challenge 2019 is that smarter driving, of the right vehicles, deployed in the right way with the correct mobility structure in place, can create cost-savings across the board – from route optimisation to safer fleets to lower fuel, insurance and tax bills.”

For more details on the event, phone 01727 739160.