Students make fuel-efficient cars

In a first for Bangladesh, engineering students designed and manufactured fuel-efficient cars in a unique competition in Dhaka on Friday.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) jointly organised the ‘ECORUN 2013’ to promote the fuel efficient cars in Bangladesh.

The BUET team MARCUS stood first, in the three-wheeler category, followed by the Rajshahi University of Engineering Technology’s (RUET) AVENGERS while Chittagong University of Engineering Technology’s (CUET) XR WAGON came out third.

In the four-wheeler category, BUET’s NYPTA 8 stood first while CUET’s PROTOTYPE became second and RUET’s GRAFINGE third.

According to a JICA media release, 15 teams from six engineering universities and colleges contested in the event aimed to promote vehicles that do not emit pollutants.

Commerce Minister Ghulam Muhammed Quader distributed prizes among the winners.

“It must continue. It (eco-friendly cars) is very necessary for our environment,” he said encouraging participants to organise such events on their own interest as well.

ECORUN is a Japanese concept of fuel-efficient car design that focuses on ‘distance per liter fuel, not speed’.

JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer Toshiya Okawara first introduced the concept in Bangladesh in 2011, helping Barisal Technical School and College students to make two cars.

JICA Chief Representative Takao Toda has witnessed a lot of improvements since then.

He expected that by improving bit by bit, all the teams that ‘failed or succeeded’ will create their own success stories and inspire others.

He was hopeful that young engineers will take their own initiative next time and continue this ‘noble and creative’ event.

The Convener of ECORUN 2013 National Steering Committee Professor Md Ehsan said they would try to organise such ‘ECORUN’ every year considering both fuel efficiency and market needs of Bangladesh.

“Someday cars made in Bangladesh will rule the vehicle world and ECORUN will be the first step towards that road,” he said.

Organisers say the contest enabled students as well as engineers to become part of an instant workforce for the car-making industries as they designed and made the vehicles all by themselves.

WALTON sponsored 1500 CC engines for the competition.