Dubai-based automotive service provider Dynamic Technical Training said it will be launching the region’s first eco-friendly training programme designed for professional drivers of large heavy goods vehicles.

The programme, aimed at bus companies, taxi firms and other commercial vehicle fleet operators, will be unveiled at the Commercial Vehicles Middle East exhibition and conference to be held in Dubai from March 6 to 8.

The company cited hard acceleration followed by hard braking, mostly in traffic conditions, as among the biggest contributors to fuel wastage, but saids special instruction for drivers can quickly overcome these problems.

'Bus companies, taxi firms and other commercial vehicle fleet operators can slash fuel costs and CO2 emissions if drivers learn eco-friendly techniques in the training programme, said a senior official.

“The Driving ECO2  programme teaches drivers how to adopt an eco-friendly approach which reduces CO2 emissions and fuel consumption,” explained Nicolas Gondard, the business development manager of Dynamic Technical Training. 

'Drivers can maximise the gear box usage by driving at 15km/hr in second gear at 1,000 revs per minute instead of driving at 15km/hr in first gear at 1,800 revs per minute,' he stated.

Gondard pointed outy that results in Europe illustrated that a small to medium enterprise operating 100 vehicles saved Dh115,584 ($30,378) in annual fuel costs after the training, representing 153,216kg less of CO2 emissions released in the atmosphere.

“A larger fleet operator, such as a taxi firm operating 1,200 vehicles, would save Dh4,458,240 per year on fuel, with an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 5,909,760kg,” he added

The effects on fuel costs, and the environment, are even more significant if applied to organisations like Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority which currently operates 7,942 taxis.

Environmental concerns in the Middle East were highlighted by a 2010 report from market research specialists Maplecroft which placed the UAE and Saudi Arabia alongside Australia, the USA, Canada, and Netherlands as the six nations with the worst performance in relation to CO2 pollution.

Fleet managers will have a chance to try out the Driving ECO2  programme on demo vehicles at Commercial Vehicles Middle East to gain an understanding of how it can positively impact their businesses and economic bottom line.

“The Driving ECO2  programme is based on facts and data derived from the vehicle itself rather than the instructor’s perceptions,” said Alexandria Robinson, the project manager, CVME.

“The demonstrations will benefit fleet managers in particular, and will help them adopt cost effective, eco friendly options in the future.” 

Organised by Streamline Marketing Group, the event features the only industry-specific exhibition that covers all types of heavy and light commercial vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle attachments, accessories, and maintenance and repair services.-TradeArabia News Service