More than 150 student teams from 16 countries across Asia and the Middle East are preparing to hit the streets of Manila, Philippines in February 2014 to compete in the fifth annual Shell Eco-marathon Asia.

The super-mileage competition will welcome a record number of participating teams this year, as it moves for the first time from the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Luneta Park in the heart of Manila (Philippines).

Representing the Philippines are 17 teams from the country’s top engineering schools, namely: Adamson University, De La Salle Dasmarinas, De La Salle University, Don Bosco Technical College, Mapua Institute of Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila, Technological Institute of the Philippines - Manila, Technological Institute of the Philippines – Quezon City, University of San Carlos and University of Santo Tomas.

The teams began designing and building their energy-efficient vehicle since last year. Success is not measured by speed – it is measured by who can drive farthest on one gallon of fuel and become the most fuel efficient team by thinking creatively about energy efficiency and putting new ideas into practice.

“As first time participants in the Shell Eco-Marathon, Team PUP Manila feels privileged, excited and proud to represent our campus and the Philippines in this prestigious competition,” says Team Manager Sonny Aurellano of Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Each Philippine team is driven by the passion to promote smarter mobility and energy efficiency. Though the promotion of greener energy is nothing new to their respective universities, the teams, through their participation in the Shell Eco-marathon, hope to inspire their fellow students and the general public to integrate efficiency into their daily lives.

“I feel honored to represent my school and country for the Shell Eco-marathon 2014” says Team Driver Bryan Jacobo from the Technological Institute of the Philippines. “Through the competition, we are given a chance to showcase our solutions to the world’s growing transportation challenges. By developing fuel efficient vehicles, we hope to raise awareness on the current energy situation and inspire our fellow student to support smarter mobility for a brighter future.”

With the first urban track for Shell Eco-marathon Asia in Manila, participating students can experience first-hand the energy challenges faced by true urban environments. City centres will bear the brunt of the world’s surging population – rising to 9 billion from 7 billion by 2050 – as well as the energy demands that come with it. Taking the challenge to the streets of Manila will demonstrate how new technology can work in the heart of real cities.

“Hosting Shell Eco-marathon Asia in the city of Manila will provide an all-new setting for students across the Asia Pacific region to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency,” said Roberto Kanapi, Vice President for Communications, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation. “We at Shell are committed to working with the next generation to help the world meet its growing energy needs in a responsible way. Time and again we are astounded by students’ innovation and creativity, and we highly anticipate the February challenge.”

Beyond the student competition, Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 will for the first time convene partners and other stakeholders around the future of energy, technology and mobility. Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 will broaden to include two new events – The Shell Energy Lab and the Powering Progress Together Forum.  Both will spark reflection on the world’s food, water and energy resource challenges; the Energy Lab through interactive games and exhibits for families, and the forum through discussion among delegates from government, business, and civil society.

For more information on all Shell Eco-marathon events across the globe, including official rules, instructions for registration and details on prizes, please visit the Shell Eco-marathon website at www.shell.com/ecomarathon.