Opel/Vauxhall Ampera leads field at the ITU World Triathlon Series

The Opel/Vauxhall Ampera is the official lead car at the three final European legs of the ITU World Triathlon Series 2013. Opel/Vauxhall is the official auto supplier and one the key sponsors of the competitions in Hamburg (July 20 – 21) and Stockholm (August 24 – 25), as well as the spectacular Grand Final in London (September 11 – 15). The Opel/Vauxhall Ampera leads the way – emission-free and silently – for the elite fields of triathletes at all three events, setting the stage for the sportspeople. As Europe’s best-selling electric car in 2012, it will also act as an environmentally friendly and comfortable shuttle service vehicle for dignitaries and VIPs. “Triathlon is a rapidly-growing Olympic discipline among sports fans. It requires serious ambition, absolute perfection and enormous versatility – values that our Ampera also ideally represents,” says Opel CEO and dedicated marathon runner Karl-Thomas Neumann. “So we are delighted to be the only automaker to exclusively support the ITU World Triathlon Series in Europe with our emission-free electric vehicle.\" With a fully charged battery, the Ampera can cover between 40 and 80 km purely electrically and with zero emissions before the clever range-extender concept kicks in and enables a driving range of up to 500 km without requiring a filling station stop. The spacious sedan has room for four occupants and their luggage or sporting equipment. ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado says, “The Opel/Vauxhall Ampera delivers power and endurance in a sustainable format, which reflect triathlons core components and key values for the International Triathlon Union. We are delighted to partner with a company that shares our same message.\" Triathlon series attracts enthused athletes and spectators on multiple continents In total, more than 22,000 participants from every continent are expected to take part in the final three events of the premier triathlon series. In addition, an estimated 800,000 spectators will cheer on both the amateur participants and the world’s best triathletes across the course. In Hamburg, Stockholm and London, the elite athletes will compete for precious points to decide the 2013 World Championship title. The ITU World Triathlon Series has already held events in New Zealand, USA, Japan, Spain and most recently in Kitzbühel, Austria. The multi-continent triathlon series is a major landmark for on-site spectators but also TV sport fans – with all events broadcast in over 160 countries. Source: media.opel