We assisted last year to the run-up of the major “green” event which is held this week from May 5 to May 9 on the Zolder Circuit. A year ago already, much effort was given to put “eco” mobility at the forefront.

We recently met again with Marc Martens, responsible for Environmental Affairs at the Zolder Circuit, and he lifted a tip of the veil on the events of the “Cleanweek” in its 2010 edition.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

In the run-up event last year, an electric go cart was shown...

Showcase of “green” technology…

This Cleanweek at Zolder is meant to be a showcase of the present status of eco-friendly technology, and is meant to be held each year up to 2020, hence the official name “Cleanweek 2020.” Through presentations,  seminar(s) and above all a “driving experience” on the circuit,  the Cleanweek wants to bring the ecological progress of car industry and mobility in general to a large® public.

Last year, some impressive lap times were clocked with an all-electric racing bike...

On Wednesday May 5, a so-called “professional” day will be held together with the Royal Flemish Association of Engineers, and 24 speakers will comment about the future of sustainable mobility. Amongst others, keynote speakers will be Ivan Hodac, the Secretary General of ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), Alfons Westgeest, secretary general of Eurobat and Wilson de Pril, secretary -general of Agoria.

On Thursday, May 6, one can admire demo’s with “green” racecars, notably the WTCC cars. This championship has some “green” accents, as some cars run on second-generation biofuel (E85), use electric bikes in the paddock, serve “Fair Trade” food in the VIP club, etc.

No fuel, but an electric plug was found underneath the "filler" cap of this racing bike last year...

On Friday 7 May, universities and technical schools are invited, along with professional schools focusing on the automotive and electromechanical sectors. Seminars and workshops will be held, to get acquainted with the latest “state of the art” technology.

The weekend of 8 and 9 May is open to the general public, where test drives can be made in “green” cars, electric scooters, etc. A workshop on ecodriving will also be held, and of course there is room for competition driving in the framework of the FIA Alternative Energies Cup. Several well-known drivers will participate in this “Clean Week 2020 Trophy”…

Major manufacturers are present...

On such an event, the most important “green” car builders are coming with their products. Impossible to be exhaustive here, but to give you an impression, we mention a few here.

Renault will have EV-cars in the showrooms at the end of the year, but for the time being shows here one Twingo which emits 104 g/km, and not less than 3 Clio’s which emit a low 98 g/km. One Clio will drive in the “Clean Week 2020 Trophy”, with rally driver Erwin Mombaerts at the wheel.

Last year, Renault showed its early all-electric Clio's...

Peugeot will bring its electric “Ion” to Zolder, Opel will bring its “Ecoflex” series Corsa, Astra and Insignia. Nissan brings its Note with the (Renault) 1.5 dCi Diesel engine, emitting 115 g/km, and the cute Pixo, with its all-new 3 cylinder gasoline engine, emitting some 104 g/km.

Lexus has a long-standing tradition of Hybrids and will bring its RX 450h.

The all-electric racing bike at rest, but it certainly proved to be very fast!

Hyundai will bring the i30 and i35, as they sport state-of-the art technology. The i30 will be shown in its EcoSport livery.

Chevrolet will bring its Volt… camouflaged as a Cruze! The car will also participate in the “Clean Week 2020 Trophy” and a WTCC version of the Cruze will also run some breathtaking demo laps with Rob Huff en Pierre-Yves Corthals at the wheel and a daring journalist as passenger… Chevrolet will also bring an LPG version of its Spark along to Zolder.

Audi shows its latest TDIe technology in the A3, A4 and A6. A lot to be seen and driven on the Terlaemen circuit, so see you in (green) Zolder!