Global Telematics' Orchid system is being used at the second RAC MPG (miles per gallon) Marathon taking place on September 26-27, 2001. Several car and van manufacturers, including Ford, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Citroen and Daihatsu, will be tracked by the in-vehicle telematics solution as they attempt to win the coveted award of the most economical vehicle in its class.

Up to 50 cars and vans are taking part in the 480-mile drive as motor manufacturers are challenged to beat their own published fuel economy figures. The MPG marathon, sponsored by Orchid, is the only source of independent, comparative mpg figures available in the UK for commercially-produced vehicles.

The marathon, which covers 480 miles over two days, will commence at the RAC headquarters in Bescot, Walsall and travel through Blackburn, Preston and West Yorkshire before finishing back in Bescot. Last year's best performances included the Volkswagen Lupo TDi, winning the prize for the best overall fuel economy, and the Chrysler Voyager which achieved the single greatest improvement on its official combined fuel consumption figure.