Married Couple Sets Guinness World Record for Fuel Efficiency - After Driving the Globe on 24 Tanks.

John and Helen Taylor Complete 18,001-mile Journey, Achieve Average of 52.3 Miles per Gallon, and Teach Drivers How to Stretch Their Fuel

LONDON, April 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- After 78 days and 18,001 miles, John and Helen Taylor have set a Guinness World Record for Fuel Efficiency after successfully driving around the globe using only 24 tanks of Shell gasoline and averaging an impressive 52.3 miles per gallon. The Taylors' challenge began on January 17 in London and ended this morning in the same city after driving across 25 countries using Shell FuelStretch driving principles to help them maximize their fuel efficiency.

Initial estimates had the Taylors setting the Guinness World Record in 50 fill-ups or less; however, the estimate was lowered several times along the journey as the Taylor's fuel economy improved. The first of its kind, the new "Shell Fuel Economy Challenge" Guinness World Record marks the achievement of the lowest fuel consumption during a circumnavigation of the globe by an unmodified standard car. To achieve the record, the journey had to cover no less than 18,001 miles. Shell fuelled the journey and shares credit for the record with the Taylors.

"It's been the trip of a lifetime -- absolutely unforgettable," says John Taylor. "A true technical challenge, and a real test of endurance for all the team involved. I am so proud to have set the record with Shell."

"It's a tremendous thrill to be back, having travelled so far and on so little fuel," added Helen Taylor.

The Secret to Their Success: Shell FuelStretch

Despite driving challenges including a tornado in Australia, a historic snowfall in Greece and rough roads in Pakistan, the Taylors averaged 52.3 miles per gallon throughout the challenge by sticking to Shell FuelStretch principles. That represents a 52% percent increase above the manufacturer's fuel economy estimate for the Volkswagen Golf FSI 1.6 the Taylors drove on the journey -- according to the owner's manual the vehicle averages 34.4 miles per gallon. Some of the FuelStretch tips the Taylors employed on the world's roadways include simple actions such as avoiding idling and higher speeds, minimizing vehicle drag and performing regular vehicle maintenance. For a complete list of these driving tips, visit http://www.shell.com/us/fuelstretch .