Green car show will appeal to 'ordinary' motorists
Filed under: Consumer

The man behind a new green car show has told Autoblog he believes the event will appeal to 'ordinary motorists'.
Giles Brown is the brains behind Ecovelocity – a motor show being billed as a 'low carbon motor festival' which takes place from September 8-11 at Battersea Power Station, London.
Brown believes not every motorist is interested in 'high octane' shows like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and that his green car event will help normal buyers discover eco-friendly vehicles.
Among the manufacturers already signed up to the event are Ford, Fiat, Citroen, Vauxhall, VW, Peugeot, Renault, Kia, Nissan and Hyundai – all of which are set to show off their low carbon models.
"There are several great shows out there for car enthusiasts, and I don't think the UK needs another high-octane event," Brown told Autoblog.
"We know these shows don't appeal to all motorists, so Ecovelocity takes a different approach. Our objective is to create a truly valuable resource for all types of motorists, particularly those who are in market for a new car, but who don't want the explosive stunts that come with other hardcore motoring events."
So what makes his London show different? Well, Brown explains that not only will visitors get the chance to inspect the cars on the makers' stands, they can also drive a wide selection of them on a private course. There'll also be first drive experiences for teenagers, motorbike taster sessions, as well as interactive activities for kids.
"The show is sponsored by EDF Energy, which, as an electric energy company sponsoring a motoring event for the first time, signals how things are changing for the car industry," added Brown.
He also believes the event will help the public overcome their fears of new technology, such as electric cars and range-extenders.
"Each new technology comes with its own complications, and there's every danger that the wider motoring community will not adopt radical solutions if they suffer technology anxiety," added Brown. "The launch of Ecovelocity can help to overcome this issue.
"Many motorists don't know which new technology to adopt, or which vehicle manufacturer has the best technology. Ecovelocity will unravel the truths, and allow visitors to discover which are the best low carbon car makers in the industry."
Paul Everitt, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents car makers and dealers in the UK, was pleased to see the event arrive.
"There is a lot of consumer interest in low carbon vehicles, particularly with rising fuel costs," he told Autoblog. "Manufacturers are keen to give motorists the chance to experience the wide range of new technologies coming to the market.
"Ecovelocity provides the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the most exciting new products on the market. There are an increasing number of motoring events in the domestic calendar. The challenge for them all is to demonstrate a real return for the manufacturers' investment."
Tickets for Ecovelocity are £10 (adults) or £25 (family). Details: Ecovelocity.co.uk.















