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| An Audi vehicle is set for the Mileage Marathon |
Audi Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen, lead the Audi Mileage Marathon drive across America. |
By Tommy Acosta, SVVT
SEDONA, AZ -When most people hear the word "Diesel" they think of big-bulky trucks belching dirty-black smoke into the air, leaking oil and polluting the environment.
People also tend to believe diesel is inferior to gasoline in emission quality, mileage and performance.
Nothing could be farther from the truth according Audi of America Inc., who through their recent Audi Mileage Marathon across the U.S. from New York City to Los Angeles by 23-clean-diesel powered Audi vehicles, hope to educate the public about diesel fuel and demonstrate their Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel cars run cleaner and are more efficient than gasoline-powered cars.
Stopping in Sedona last week and staying at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, 184 Audi drivers, mostly journalists from around the world, pulled over for a night of rest before continuing on their 4,800 mile ride across America.
Sleek-silver Audi vehicles filled the Reds parking lot, including their top-of-the-line Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, a clean-diesel SUV. So, for Sedonans who saw the fleet of cars and are wondering what Audi convoy was all about, here's the scoop.
According to Andrew B. Lipman, spokesman for Audi, the Mileage Marathon across America's city streets and highways with a 14-city stop over was created to illustrate how Audi's clean-diesel technology answers concerns about fuel prices, energy dependence and global warming.
"We're debunking diesel myths," he said. "Diesel is not dirty. This marathon is about getting the word out that clean-diesel technology such as ours can achieve 40-percent better fuel economy and reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions by 90 percent. We believe driving our TDI vehicles can save up to $20 per tank. All our drivers are journalists and we are hoping to get the word out to the world how efficient and clean our cars are to drive."
He said the Audi Mileage Marathon's TDI fleet will recast outdated perceptions of diesel vehicles.
"Gone are the days of loud, smoky, under-performing diesel engines," he said. "Due to its EPA-estimated 25-miles-per gallon on the highway, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI offers a highway-driving range of more than 600 miles, far more than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. It also provides 406 lb-ft of torque, more than most exotic-sports cars.
Mr. Lipman said stopping in Sedona was a very important part of the trip, considering the beauty and demographics of the city.
"The minute we pulled into Sedona a certain sense of calm came over me," he said. "Sedona is a perfect place for us to rest before going on to Las Vegas, our next stop. Wish we could stay longer."
Two of his drivers were also impressed by the Sedona experience.
"Sedona, so far, is one of the most beautiful places we've seen in our ride across America," said driver Miguel Garcia Puente, a writer for Autopista Magazine, a European publication.
"Coming in today Sedona seemed more beautiful than I remember," said Toni Wilson, a driver and writer for MSN Autos. "The red rocks were even redder than before."
Mr. Lipman said the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that if one-third of all U.S. passenger cars were diesel powered, the country would save 1.4 million barrels of petroleum per day.
"That's the amount we import daily from Saudi Arabia," Mr. Lipman said. "This means that today's diesel technology is designed for tomorrow's challenges and can make a greater contribution to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels than any other type of engine. A clean diesel vehicle can help protect the environment without sacrificing vehicle performance."
Audi of America Executive Vice-President Johan de Nysschen, lead the rally from its start at Tavern on the Green in NYC.
"The Mileage Marathon truly is where the rubber meets the road and driving Audi's TDI vehicles across the country is the perfect way to show the amazing improvements we have made with clean diesel," he said. "The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI doesn't just recast diesel for an American audience, it also represents the ultimate progress in SUV engineering and makes driving a luxury SUV socially acceptable again because of its notable fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions."
He said the Q7 TDI will be one of America's first clean, highly efficient, 7-passenger SUVs, providing a luxury option for U.S. drivers who are "conscious of the environment and fuel economy."
He said the Q7 TDI will be ready to launch in 2009.
Mr. Lipman said the cars were monitored during each leg of the journey and evaluated by speed, distance and fuel economy and exclusively used Shell diesel fuel.
The convoy passed through major cities like Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas as well as vistas, including the Rocky Mountains, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon. The route included a mix of city driving and rural driving on urban streets, interstate highways and country roads.
Mr. Lipman noted driving under conditions that mirror everyday driving, the TDI will demonstrate its superiority over other efficiency technology.
According to Mr. Lipman, Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles.
He said the Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally.
Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th-consecutive record year for sales and profit growth.
Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
Driving enthusiasts are welcome to learn more about Audi's Mileage Marathon online by visiting www.audimileagemarathon.com.
