Truckers compete to cut fuel consumption and boost safety

Important profession

"A truck driver is an important profession for the economy, environment and safety. Skilled and committed drivers will deliver energy-efficient transport, reduce emissions and contribute towards safer roads," said Sjoblom.

To carry out further economic transformation and industrial upgrading, many local governments and logistics companies in China have been keen to seek solutions and tackle problems caused by heavy truck use and air pollution.

The importance of improving the environment was underlined by figures from the Ministry of Environmental Protection in March that showed 76 percent of Chinese cities failed to meet new air quality standards.

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"This is why we set up the Scania driver competitions, to put the spotlight on drivers, develop their skills of cutting carbon emission and highlighting their valuable contribution to society. Through this we hope to raise driver status and attract more young people into the profession," said Sjoblom.

With a presence in more than 100 countries and regions, and 40,900 employees, Scania earnings amounted to $1.3 billion in 2013.

Sustainable plan

Scania announced its sustainable business plan in April, which aims to lead the industry by providing sustainable transport solutions. It expects to halve its energy use per manufactured vehicle by 2020, compared with 2010 levels.

The Swedish company entered the Chinese market in 2004. It has established a market strategy center, after-sales, technical service, training and component supply departments in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen, as well as 25 service outlets and 25 dealerships across the country.

"The truck market is usually seen as a barometer of the macro-economy, since it reflects the scale of commodity flow, regional trade, as well as infrastructure development," said Zhao Ying, a researcher at the institute of industrial economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

He said as China shifts its focus from the coast, inland cargo trucks will be needed to meet the demand for transporting commodities to inland cities, which have rising consumption power.

"Because road conditions in the western and central regions still need to be improved and the ecological environment is relatively weaker there, cargo trucks equipped with advanced fuel-efficiency and safety technologies are crucial for both cost reduction and environmental protection," Zhao said.