The 2009 Global Green Challenge, it is the personal view of Roger Cook and and his fellow directors that the Global Green Challenge will quickly establish a reputation as one of the most significant automotive events on the world stage.

We live in challenging times with the environment foremost in the minds of those that care for future generations.

As a result, the new generation of cars, whether they be electric, hybrid, hydrogen, or fuel-efficient diesel or petrol engines, will be the vehicles of choice.

Manufacturers and motorists alike must rapidly embrace new technology and the Global Green Challenge will both test and showcase what is and what will be on offer in the market place.

The Global Green Challenge with participating vehicles competing from Darwin to Adelaide on a cross continent three thousand kilometre odyssey will allow us to access and compare the cars of the new generation.

I am delighted with the response to the event from some many of world’s major automotive manufacturers and am certain it will surely grow even more in the future.

The significant support from the South Australian Government is tangible evidence of its commitment to change for the betterment of the environment and mankind, and this applies equally to the Government of the Northern Territory as a partner in the Global Green Challenge.

I also acknowledge the support of national broadband Internet service provider Internode and its founder Simon Hackett who will be taking part in the event in the world’s first fully electric sports car, the Tesla.

In addition to the 22 Eco Challenge vehicles, the Global Green Challenge will also feature some forty pure solar vehicles competing in the World Solar Challenge category.

Entries have been received from some seventeen nations and the technology advances made as a result of the pioneering efforts of solar car entrants from the world’s foremost universities and research institutions is coming to the fore in the practical eco cars of the future.

I take this opportunity to congratulate all our entrants and to wish them well in the great adventure that is the 2009 Global Green Challenge from October 24-31 – truly driving a sustainable vehicle future.

Roger Cook AM
Chairman
South Australian Motor Sport Board