[2022 Fuel Efficiency King] "Selecting the Best Eco Driver"

The 15th Akyung Fuel Efficiency King Competition, the Largest in Korea, Held
59 Teams Participate, Fierce Competition in 6 Categories

At the opening ceremony of the '2022 Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition' held on the 12th at the Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Headquarters in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province, judges and participants are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The '2022 Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition,' which selects the best fuel efficiency champion in Korea, opened on the 12th at Seo Hanam IC (Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Area Headquarters).

Now in its 15th year, the Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition is the largest eco-driving competition in Korea, with over 1,100 teams and more than 6,100 participants to date. This year, a total of 59 teams participated.

The competition covers a total distance of 106.4 km (approximately 90 minutes based on 70 km driving). The course starts from Seo Hanam IC, passes Hanam JCT, the 2nd Jungbu Expressway, Hobeop JCT, turns around at Deokpyeong Rest Area, then goes through Singal JCT, Seoul TG, Pangyo JCT, Seongnam TG, and returns to Seo Hanam IC.

For fair judging, the competition was divided by vehicle type and engine displacement. The participant categories were ▲Domestic gasoline 1600CC and above ▲Domestic gasoline under 1600CC and hybrid ▲Domestic diesel 2000CC and above ▲Domestic diesel under 2000CC ▲Imported gasoline ▲Imported diesel, totaling six groups. Additionally, a non-competitive electric vehicle race was held.

Among the participating teams, one grand prize winner will receive a fuel voucher worth approximately 1 million KRW, and six group fuel efficiency champions will each receive a fuel voucher worth 500,000 KRW.

On the 12th, at the Korea Expressway Corporation Metropolitan Headquarters in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province, Professor Kim Pil-su of Daelim University, the chief judge, is explaining the judging criteria at the "2022 Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition." Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

In his opening remarks, So Jongsup, Editor-in-Chief of Asia Economy, said, "The Fuel Efficiency King Competition, now in its 15th year, was created with the purpose of practicing eco-friendly driving by avoiding speeding, rapid acceleration, and rapid deceleration, thereby reducing fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions." He added, "Eco-driving not only helps prevent accidents but also shines especially during times like this year when oil prices are soaring."

Professor Pilsoo Kim of Daelim University’s Department of Automotive Engineering, who participated as the head judge, said in his congratulatory speech, "The Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition is the oldest and largest eco-driving competition in Korea." He emphasized, "Although the government is promoting the spread of electric vehicles, most drivers still use internal combustion engine vehicles, so the importance of eco-friendly driving for carbon neutrality remains significant."

The Asia Economy Fuel Efficiency King Competition is hosted by Asia Economy and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Korea Expressway Corporation. This competition was planned in 2008 to elevate the eco-driving movement to a nationwide project amid growing interest in eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrid and electric cars.