Vauxhall’s Ampera will play a key role at the world’s largest triathlon series.
The Vauxhall Ampera is set to see its profile raised even further by playing a key role at the largest triathlon series in the world.
As Vauxhall is the official auto supplier to and a main sponsor of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series, the motor has been chosen as the lead car at the grand final of the 2013 edition of the event.
Elite runners and cyclists at the competition – which spans three days – will be led by the Ampera, while it will also serve as a shuttle service vehicle for VIPs and dignitaries. The comfort of the auto, in addition to its eco-friendly properties, were the reasons behind it being chosen for this task – and may explain why it is likely to be a favourite among those checking out the latest new car deals.
Karl-Thomas Neumann, chief executive officer of Vauxhall/Opel – who is a dedicated marathon runner himself – said: "Triathlon is a rapidly-growing Olympic discipline among sports fans. It requires serious ambition, absolute perfection and enormous versatility – values that our Ampera also ideally represents."
Marisol Casado, president of the ITU and member of the International Olympic Committee, said the ITU is delighted to be working alongside Vauxhall on this project, stating: "The Vauxhall Ampera delivers power and endurance in a sustainable format, which reflects triathlon’s core components and key values for the ITU."
The triathlon series will see a total of 22,000 participants from around the world descending on London for the grand final, in which the elite athletes will go head-to-head in the race for the points needed in order to claim the 2013 World Championship title.
Around 800,000 spectators are expected at the event, meaning lots of people will get to see the ultra-low emission vehicle in action. In addition, all events in the series will be broadcast in more than 160 countries.
Pricing for the Ampera starts at £29,995 on the road for the Earth model, which includes a £5,000 government grant.
Posted by Emma Grange