Vauxhall Ampera charges in by royal command

Vauxhall’s groundbreaking Ampera will take pride of place at ‘A Garden Party To Make A Difference’ in the gardens of Clarence House, Marlborough House and Lancaster House this week. The event – claimed to be the longest royal garden party ever held – starts today and includes one of the most exciting groups of eco cars ever brought together.

Forming part of The Prince of Wales’ ‘Start’ campaign, which celebrates and promotes sustainable living, the Eco-cars exhibition is hosted by Roger Saul (founder of Mulberry and long-time champion racer of historic cars) and Kevin McCloud (presenter of Grand Designs and developer of eco-housing).

The event is a perfect showcase for the Ampera, Vauxhall’s soon to be launched E-REV (extended-range electric vehicle).  With its constant electric drive, 350-mile range, family-friendly practicality and 175mpg potential the Ampera will be one of this decade’s most revolutionary cars.

Also taking place during the event will be an unprecedented opportunity for the public to see future automotive green technology in action, as a select group of eco machines take to The Mall this Sunday.  One of the parade highlights will be GM’s Hydrogen 4 fuel cell vehicle, which combines everyday driveability, zero tailpipe emissions and a 200 mile range.  Vehicles taking part in the parade will be driven by a selection of celebrity drivers such as Sir Stirling Moss, Dame Ellen Macarthur and Dragons’ Den’s Duncan Bannatyne.

“I am delighted to be able to welcome visitors into my gardens, and those of my immediate neighbours, for this exciting festival,” said The Prince of Wales. “We have a fantastic team of talented curators who are helping us create an event which will, I hope, be both fun and informative.  This festival is just one way in which Start can help to demonstrate how we can all make a difference, however big or small the steps we take.”

‘A Garden Party To Make A Difference’ runs from September 8 -19 and is open from 10am -6pm daily.  Tickets are on sale now from startuk.org.