Fuel consumption habits studied

Press, 9 May 1985, Page 16

Fuel consumption habits studied

PA Wellington Standards for measuring fuel consumption in motor vehicles may change. A recent study of driving patterns conducted by the Liquid Fuels Trust Board in urban and suburban zones in the cities of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland showed distinctive differences from the European-

derived trip patterns used to measure car fuel consumption in New Zealand. The board’s report showed that trip patterns were measured by a “chase” vehicle which unobtrusively followed randomly selected cars in the cities. The vehicle measured trip distances, speeds and accelerations with monitoring

equipment. Two distinct patterns emerged in the urban and suburban zones in the cities. The board’s technical director, Dr David Natusch, commenting on the survey findings, said that the use of the driving patterns outlined in the report might give fuel consumption readings quite different from those measured using the Euro-

pean-based driving cycle. The board was having cars tested against the various cycles and would compare the energy usages. “If the fuel consumptions measured by the driving patterns are materially different from those measured by the present standards, the board may recommend changes,” Dr Natusch said.