Bridgestone title sponsor for World Solar Challenge

Between 6 and 13 October, the World Solar Challenge 2013 will take place in Australia, and Bridgestone has signed up as title sponsor. This will be the 12th time the competition has taken place since 1987, and the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2013 will see a record 45 teams from 26 countries compete in a 3000-kilometre cross-country race using only solar energy to power the vehicles. The event will feature three separate classes – Adventure Class, which will showcase cars built for previous events; Cruiser Class, which will be judged by design practicality, and Challenger Class, which will compete for the title of the world's most efficient solar car.

Commenting on its sponsorship, the Japanese firm stated “whether it is through eco-friendly products such as our Ecopia line or our support of environmental efforts around the globe, Bridgestone is committed to continually working with customers, partners, and the communities in which we live and work to create an environmentally sustainable society.”

The World Solar Challenge’s ancestry can be traced back to 1982, when solar pioneer Hans Tholstrup embarked on a quest that would see him drive home-built solar car ‘Quiet Achiever’ across Australia from west to east. Inspired by this achievement, he urged others to explore the boundaries of sun-powered transport.