TORRANCE, Calif., June 8 -- Honda Insight owners from around the country achieved more than 90 miles per gallon in this year's 250-mile NESEA (Northeast Sustainable Energy Association) American Tour de Sol race from New York City to Washington, D.C. from May 12-19.
Four out of six Insight owners broke 90 miles per gallon on several individual legs of the road rally, including Naoto Inoue of Kennebunkport, ME, and Ed Dempsey of Dempsey World Record Associates in Santa Ana, CA. Both owners achieved 93.2 miles per gallon, the highest fuel economy during the road rally. (See attached file below for performance data).
Dempsey captured first place in NESEA's production category with an 83.6 mile per gallon average for his entire trip. The NESEA's production category is reserved for hybrid-electric vehicles being offered for sale or lease by major auto, bus and motorcycle companies. In addition to Dempsey, several owners placed in the top 10 for overall performance, including Nita Norman, Bert Singer, Chris Stokes and Jack Grant.
Honda owners entered the event to prove the Insight's fuel efficiency as well as to raise public awareness of hybrid-electric vehicles available to consumers today.
"The Tour de Sol road rally was the perfect place to show-off the incredible fuel efficiency of the Insight," said Naoto Inoue. "All the Insights on the tour averaged over 75 miles per gallon throughout the event, with several of us reaching 90-plus miles per gallon in one or more of the road rally legs."
Honda generated additional enthusiasm among Insight owners with a competition for best overall mileage and best mileage in one segment. Ed Dempsey won for overall mileage and Naoto Inoue for most efficient trip. Honda will make a donation in the amount of $1000 and $500 respectively in the winners name to the environmental charity of their choice.
"Yesterday's science fiction is today's science fact," said Jack Grant. "I've followed the development of the Insight from the beginning and I was excited to put the Insight's cutting edge technology to the test at this year's Tour de Sol."
The rally, which visited New York, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C., drew participants and spectators who share a common interest in energy-efficient vehicles and a cleaner environment. Participants included automotive enthusiasts, environmentalists, and students driving solar-powered cars, electric motorcycles, hybrids and fuel cell vehicles.
"The Insight owners participating in the tour have been very supportive of Honda and of the environmental advances the Insight represents," said Robert Bienenfeld, manager of advanced environmental vehicles for American Honda. "As members of the Honda family, these owners were happy to travel to the Tour de Sol to prove the Insight's capabilities to both the environmental community and the general public."
As the first mass-produced hybrid-electric vehicle in history to achieve more than 70 miles per gallon, the Insight can travel 600-700 miles on a single tank of gas. An ultra-low emission vehicle, the Insight conserves natural resources and is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle ever offered in the U.S.
In addition, the Insight has won numerous environmental awards including the Sierra Club's award for Excellence in Environmental Engineering, the first time the award has been given for any product in its 108-year history.
# # #
MICHAEL TEBO
Office of Corporate Affairs, Washington, DC
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
phone (202) 554-1650