Parallel parking skills put to test

Auckland motorists will have the chance to compete against each other on Saturday to find out who the country's best parallel-parker is.

The first 24 parking star wannabes who make it down to Auckland's Queens Wharf will challenge for the title.

They will be judged on speed and accuracy in how fast they can back into a car space and how precise they are in getting in between two cars.

This unique sporting event will also challenge competitors to pit their reverse parking skills against the latest in motion sensor parking technology, found in the all-new Ford Focus.

Accuracy will be closely monitored, and those who execute a legal park will then be ranked according to their time. Eligible parks will also be measured on the distance from the curb and how far both their inner wheels are to the distance between front and rear bumpers.

"Parallel parking is still one of the most stressful parts of driving for many New Zealanders," says Chris Masterson, Marketing Manager for Ford New Zealand.

"We hope this competition will bring out those legendary Kiwi drivers who are superstars in parallel parking while also showcasing some truly remarkable technology, all while having a bit of fun," says Masterson.

The prize for the Car Parker of the Year is a year's free valet parking at Auckland's Britomart Car Park, valued at $6,000 plus other great giveaways for finalists.

For more information go to:  http://www.parkies.co.nz

Competition schedule:

11:00 sharp        Registration
11:30 -    13:30   Heats:  Qualifying Rounds
13:35 -    14:20   Quarter-Finals: The top 8 go head to head with   
                         The Ford Hands-Free Driver
14:20 -    14:40   Semi-Finals:  The top 4 go head to head with the              
                         Ford Hands-Free Driver
14:45 -    14:55   Grand Final: Top 2 head to head with each other
15:00                 Podium presentation for The Parker of The Year