The journalists were taking part in the second annual Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Eco-Run, which began in Ottawa on Saturday, June 4. The goal of the Eco-Run is to show consumers the wide range of green technologies and vehicles that are already available and that could help them save money on fuel while helping protect the environment. The event also serves to inform consumers about eco-driving habits, which are just as important for fuel efficiency.

The journalists had the chance to admire prototypes by the technical companies Avion cargo, Canoë de béton, Esteban, Formule électrique, EPM Motorsport and Oronos—projects that Polytechnique students' work on outside their demanding engineering studies.

A number of Eco-Run partners attended as well. For the occasion, Jérémie Lepage, Polytechnique graduate and sales representative with Schneider Electric, donated a charging station that could benefit the Polytechnique community. Richard Hurteau, professor and Director of Administration, Polytechnique Montréal, accepted the donation on stage.

France's 23-year-old Mr. Vergne, a Scuderia Toro Rosso team driver for a second season, is one of the Formula One circuit's rising stars. As a competitor for the Grand Prix du Canada, which took place the weekend of June 7-9, he has already earned two top 10s since the start of the season, with six races. He just recently finished eighth at Monaco.

The driver also took a look at the Eco-Run vehicles and at a number of student projects, including that of the Polytechnique technical society Esteban. Mr. Vergne autographed Esteban's solar car for good luck, as it's set to head off for its next competition in the Australian desert.

See also:
Website for Polytechnique Montréal's technical societies
Website for the 2013 Eco-Run