Isuzu backs World Solar Challenge team

For over 30 years, the World Solar Challenge has welcomed teams from all over the world to compete in a 3,000-kilometre drive from Darwin to Adelaide.

This competition sees teams put to the test, travelling across the harsh Australian outback in a solely solar-powered vehicle.

In support of the initiative, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced the sponsorship of the Cambridge University Eco Racing (CUER) team from the UK.

IAL says it has always been passionate about sustainable transport and will be providing CUER with an Isuzu truck to aid the transportation of their solar-powered vehicle around Australia.

IAL Head of Innovation Grant Cooper said: “We are honoured to support the CUER team in such a great initiative that brings together some of the world’s best and brightest, innovating sustainable transport technologies.

“In addition to raising awareness of sustainable transport technology, the World Solar Challenge also provides a platform for broader industry collaboration, encouraging the automotive industry to come together to rethink current practices," Cooper added.

“IAL will always support a transition to cleaner transport in pursuit of a better future.”

The CUER team consists of 20 team members who have been working for two years to craft Helia, the cruiser that CUER will be trekking across Australia. Helia was launched this week at the Science Museum in South Kensington, UK, and will travel to Australia in September 2019 in preparation for the long-haul race.

This year’s World Solar Challenge will see 53 international teams from 24 countries travel self-sufficiently. The race will run over a few days, commencing in Darwin on 18 October, continuing along the severe Stuart Highway, and ending in Victoria Square, Adelaide.

Continued coverage of the event and the progress of the CUER team will be published on www.content.isuzu.com.au.