Dubai based Dynamic Technical Training points to hard acceleration followed by hard braking, mostly in traffic conditions, as among the biggest contributors to fuel wastage, but says special instruction for drivers can quickly overcome these problems.
Drivers can maximize the gearbox 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. The automotive service provider, DTT, will launch the region’s first eco-friendly training program designed for professional drivers of large heavy goods vehicles at the Commercial Vehicles Middle East exhibition and conference taking place in Dubai from March 6-8.
“The Driving ECO2 program teaches drivers how to adopt an eco-friendly approach which reduces CO2 emissions and fuel consumption,” said Nicolas Gondard, Business Development Manager of Dynamic Technical Training. “Results in Europe illustrate that a small to medium enterprise operating 100 vehicles saved AED115,584 in annual fuel costs after the training, representing 153,216 kg less of CO2 emissions released in the atmosphere.”
“A larger fleet operator, such as a taxi firm operating 1,200 vehicles, would save AED4,458,240 per year on fuel, with an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 5,909,760 kg.”
The effects on fuel costs, and the environment, are even more significant if applied to organizations like Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority, which currently operates 7,942 taxis.
“The Driving ECO2 program is based on facts and data derived from the vehicle itself rather than the instructor’s perceptions,” said Alexandria Robinson, project manager, Commercial Vehicles Middle East.
