Imperial researcher drives 10,000 miles across Europe and Asia

Rally challenge to travel efficiently from London to Mongolia - News

Wednesday 18 July 2007
By Naomi Weston

Crossing 17 different countries and travelling 10,000 miles in the most energy efficient way is the challenge facing one Imperial College post-doctoral researcher this summer.

Robin North, who is part of the Centre for Transport Studies in the Department of Civil Engineering, and his friend Bojan Slavujevic will leave Hyde Park on 21 July and hope to arrive in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, by the 19 August.

Driving a 20 year old Suzuki 4x4, their aim is to travel efficiently. "We bought the car on eBay," explains Robin. "We have been working on finding ways of reducing the fuel consumption and pollutant emissions of the vehicle." He added: "We have also been building systems to cook food and distill water using the sun and waste energy from the car." In addition they plan to recycle water from the exhaust to maintain and wash the vehicle.

The team is supporting two charities, Hope and Homes for Children, (HHC) and Mercy Corps Mongolia (MCM). HHC helps disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe and Africa and MCM helps rural communities and families remain independent and self-sufficient. Once in Mongolia the team will donate the vehicle to MCM where it will be given to a Mongolian family or auctioned to raise more money.

The rally will take Robin and Bojan through 17 different countries including France, Germany, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. "We are planning on driving 400 miles a day with a maximum speed of 50mph," explains Robin.

But what will be their biggest challenge? "Living in a small confined space with one other person will be a big test for both of us," commented Robin, "also I hope we don’t break the car and that we make it there in one piece!"

The team have received sponsorship from SJ-UK (UK Suzuki Specialists), who are helping them with the vehicle preparation; Quinton Hazell Automotive, who are providing a full spares package; Maplin Electronics, who have provided a Solar panel; and Viking Signs, who are providing the vehicle signage.

If you are interested in finding out more about their trip, or are able to sponsor the team, please visit their website www.goldenoeuf.com or contact Robin on robin.north@imperial.ac.uk.