Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is poised to take on all comers at this weekend’s Total Economy Run, to be held between 9 and 11 September 2010. The event, which is fully sanctioned by Motorsport South Africa, will be headquartered at the Black Mountain Leisure and Conference Hotel in Thaba ’Nchu and competitors will cover a distance of 1 100 km over three days.

The well known “King of the Economy Run” Willie Nel, who has cleared a hectic 4×4 training schedule that includes Gabon, Ethiopia, Zambia and Ghana to attend the event, will champion TSAM’s cause. Nel, who will be driving a standard Toyota Prius 1.8 litre Advanced, is one of the only competitors to have competed in every Total Economy Run since its inception in 1977. He will be accompanied by his son Willem.

It should come as no surprise that other competitors in the 1.6 to 1.8 litre class are carefully watching the Prius. Designed to offer the smallest possible environmental footprint, the Prius brilliantly reduces its fuel consumption and emission levels through the combined electric and petrol drive, known as its Hybrid Synergy Drive.

An unmatched drag co-efficient level of 0.26 thanks to unique aerodynamic wheel caps, a smooth undercarriage and shaped roof, standard low rolling resistance tyres and on-demand management of auxiliaries such as the power steering pump, offers environmental performance that far exceeds that of similar sized family vehicles. The Prius’ unmatched consumption figures are further enhanced by the use of an Atkinson cycle engine with exhaust gas recirculation.

“The vehicle has impressed me no end, especially in town driving. To be exact it has delivered its best consumption figures in town,” says Nel. Nel, who was the first driver to ever achieve a combined consumption figure of less than 5 litres/100 km in a Total Economy Run, is convinced that the Prius can rewrite the record books.

“We believe that the Prius is capable of an average consumption figure of far less than 5 litres/100 km. The car has shown itself to be a very capable ‘combination’ vehicle, meaning that it delivered exceptional consumption figures in both open road and stop start traffic.”

Nel is one of the best known competitors in the Total Economy Run and has won 10 overall and more than 20 class victories in this event. He has piloted several iterations of Toyota Cressida, Camry and Corolla models and he is the current holder of the lowest overall consumption figures in a Toyota powered Citroën C1.

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cars including Toyota Hilux, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Avanza, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Quantum, Toyota Prius and Toyota RAV4 vehicles.

Press release from Topix.com

It is a scary moment when your child turns 16, and the state is irresponsible enough to think your teenager is responsible enough to drive. Wish my insurance company felt the same way, and provided a discount for me even considering adding a teen to my insurance policy. Although some parents can’t wait for the day when they stop playing chauffeur to their teenager, the thought of their child driving can be nerve wrecking.

So, what is the perfect car for your teenager? Whatever the heck gets them safely from point A to point B! My niece suggested I share that; as a teenager she felt her peers are more likely to be responsible if they are driving something they like, and are proud to drive. Are you kidding me? You and your peers can WALK! I drove a 1979 beater with vinyl seats, no A.C. and no radio, but managed to honk proudly at the car-less wonder sitting on the bus stop bench, sweating and hoping no one they knew drove by. Especially the school football star with what should have been your girlfriend sitting next to him. Soft, blond hair blowing in the wind. Sun glistening off her perfectly tanned face… sorry had a flash back. Wonder if they really enjoy driving their thumb, or cruising down Beach Boulevard in their Nike’s, or dumping change in the bucket as the bus driver speeds off in an effort to see if you can keep your balance, then stopping suddenly if you managed to stay on your feet rather than landing on your jean covered seat? So, what does your teenager expect in this age of entitlement?

Allow my experience to be your guide.  My wife and I recently made a purchase of a new 2010 Toyota Corolla for our daughter. A safe, sporty, fuel- efficient, worry- free vehicle with an exceptionally low lease payment. We more recently, however, took the vehicle away when little or none of our expectations seemed to coincide with our daughters. We rarely saw her, she rarely if ever helped with errands, or delivered on her promise of assistance or helped with P.I.S.S.  “Parental Involuntary Shuttle Service”. Yellow Dad back in business and working harder than ever with one less kid to taxi around. She rarely if ever seemed to make it home on time, and with this new found freedom always had somewhere else to be. Below are the things we considered, yet failed to put in place. I share these so you may avoid three car payments and only; two drivers.

Rules of Engagement

1) Parents should monitor teen driving especially during critical hours such as, morning while there is a larger portion of drivers on their work commutes activities.

2) Driving is a privilege, and a responsibility.  It is a good idea to sit with your teen and write an agreement of the expectations, so both you and your teen are clear and you know what is expected.  Most misunderstandings are simply a lack of understanding. Write it down in a formal document and have your teen sign on the dotted line.

3) Clearly define the rules when it comes to texting or talking on a cell phone. No means No! Not maybe or sometimes. Nine out of  every ten teenage driver engages in destructive driving behaviors. Although, it is nice to have your friend around and get someone else to contribute to the gas bill; having more people in the car equals more distractions, which can increase the risk of accidents. Statistics show that 16 and 17 year old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger. So limit the amount of teenagers you allow them to stuff into their vehicle.

4) More than 3,000 teens a year die due to drunk driving related crashes. Drinking and driving is never alright. It is reported that 31% of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking some amount of alcohol. 25% were alcohol impaired, meaning they had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more. So, share with your teen if they are out and end up in a situation which results in them drinking even one beer; they need to call you, not drive. And never get into the car with another teenager who has been drinking to avoid driving their own car. Set your boundaries here and let them know before hand you would rather they call, but the best way to avoid drinking and driving… just do not drink.

5) If your teens school does not offer a driving education safety course seek one out. There may be a little impact to the wallet, but will save you money in the long run. Most insurance companies offer discounts and the longer your teen can go without an accident or moving violation or infraction; the cheaper your insurance will be. But the real benefit is the more time spent learning how to be a better, safer driver; the safer we all are.

Keep in mind that vehicles are coming out with better safety features every year, and the safety ratings improve more and more. The good news is you can make a difference by simple taking the time to lay down the rules, and be ready to inspect what you expect.