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24 June 2006
36,000k Drive, World Record Attempt and
Bathurst - Maloo R8 Ute in Mobil 1 Promotion
Melbourne:
The Mobil 1 Maloo R8 Ute is well underway with its 36,000 kilometre, five
month Drive Around Australia which has been undertaken by Mobil Oil Australia
to demonstrate the unique qualities of the company’s Mobil 1 synthetic engine
oil. What is unique about the drive is that it will be undertaken without once
changing the engine oil.
A distance equivalent to twice
around Australia without changing the oil is an impressive challenge in itself
but Mobil was determined to send the most powerful message possible that Mobil
1 provides outstanding performance under extreme conditions.
Built into the drive was a world land speed record breaking run at Woomera,
which saw the Maloo attempt to become the World’s Fastest Ute*. Final details
of the average speed achieved over the two individual runs at Woomera* are set
for release later this month following validation by the Guinness Book of
Records.
As the mammoth drive reaches its conclusion in
October, it will be capped off at Bathurst when the engine is inspected for
condition, as a lead into the 2006 Bathurst 1000 road race.
The Mobil 1 Drive Around Australia is now in its second stage following the
Melbourne-Mt Isa-Adelaide leg that incorporated the world record run at
Woomera.
Departing Melbourne the Maloo will take in South
Australia and a full sweep through the West, including the tough North West
into Carnarvon and Cape Crawford.
Commenting on the
inspiration behind the drive, Mobil’s Peter Westcott said that Mobil 1
had supported the recent sixteen month Drive Around the World, and Mobil Oil
Australia wanted to capture the spirit of Drive Around the World in its local
Drive Around Australia.
“We are lucky in Australia to have
such a big country that enables us to turn on an event few other countries
could deliver,” said Peter.
“Expeditions like this have
a great history in Australia, going way back to the Redex Trials and Gelignite
Jack in the fifties. In most cases the roads have improved out of sight but
there are still many places that put a car under pressure.
“There are not going to be too many towns that the ute will not be passing
through on this drive. I think the local communities will get a bit of fun as
the Maloo travels by. The Maloo’s special livery will be hard to miss!
“The concept of no oil change through a long period of normal, sensible
driving which all motorists can relate to had obvious appeal but we wanted to
nail the message home. That’s why we built the world record and Bathurst
elements into the drive. It’s got excitement, challenge and fun all rolled
into one. We are out to prove a point about the oil, but it should be
enjoyable too.
“We were lucky that a driver of such legendary
status as Bob Watson was available to take this drive on. It’s not the first
time he has driven around Australia and I dare say it won’t be his last.
“Our customers relate to challenges like this and we think the drive captures
the spirit of ‘giving it a go’ that is so Australian. Mobil 1 oil has a great
reputation in the market but it is important to reinforce that in ways that
strike a chord with our customers,” said Peter.
“We’re
very proud to welcome Holden Special Vehicles and Repco as our partners in
this event. Look out for the Mobil 1 Maloo as it makes appearances at selected
HSV and Holden dealers and Repco stores.”
*Guinness
Book of World Records to verify result and performance details.
Media contact:
John Morrison - AMPR, 0400 366 026, john@ampr.com.au
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