Snap-on has been named the “Tool Sponsor of Choice” for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a $10 million competition to inspire a new generation of super fuel-efficient vehicles capable of achieving 100 MPG or the energy equivalent (MPGe).

“We are honored that the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE has chosen to partner with Snap-on on this exciting venture,” said Ben Brenton, vice president of innovation for Snap-on Tools. “At Snap-on, we have been at the forefront of developing tools and workplace solutions for servicing and maintaining the next generation of vehicles. Being a part of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE competition provides Snap-on with great insights that we can leverage to help drive innovation for our customers.”

Fifteen vehicles representing 12 teams remain in the multi-stage automotive competition, which will kick off its Finals Stage, the third and last on-track competition stage, on July 19 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich.  The competition is hosted by the X PRIZE Foundation and sponsored by Progressive Insurance. The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute committed to creating radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity.  

Often hailed as the leader in fostering innovation through competition, the X PRIZE Foundation has worked closely with Snap-on to evaluate current tools and to offer insight on future needs. In September, the $10 million prize purse will be awarded to teams that win the rigorous multi-stage competition centered on the evaluation and performance of super fuel efficient alternative drive train vehicles.

The competition consists of four stages: Shakedown, Knockout, Finals, and Validation, during which the efficiency, safety and performance of each vehicle will be judged and scored. Individual stage results can be viewed at http://www.progressiveautoxprize.org.  For more information on the X PRIZE Foundation, visit www.xprize.org.