Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd recently announced the return of the Hino Smart Driving Contest after a three-year hiatus. The competition is part of Hino Malaysia’s efforts to promote its Hino Smart Driving Program, which is hosted at the Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC) in Sendayan.
Hino Smart Driving Contest 2023 brought together 20 truckers from 11 different companies who went through the preliminary rounds in August, all eager to participate in this friendly competition. The aim was to enhance their skills and foster camaraderie within the same profession, with the theme “Challenge to Be the Best Driver to Transport Every Happiness for A Sustainable Future”.
These courses equip drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive safely and efficiently. With improved skills and awareness, we do hope that drivers understand and start practicing safer driving to protect themselves as well as the other road users.”
Hino initiated the Smart Driving Contest with the primary goal of assessing and improving the driving skills of truck drivers, particularly those operating HINO trucks.
Participants were put through a series of exciting challenges and programs, comprising practical tests.
The event benefited from the state-of-the-art Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC), the first Hino training centre outside of Japan. This facility allows Hino truck drivers in Malaysia to refine their professional skills, with a focus on road handling, safety, and fuel-efficient driving techniques.
The evaluation of participants was comprehensive, encompassing three main areas: practical driving skills, driver familiarization with a focus on daily vehicle inspection, and fuel-efficient economy driving.
The driving skills section comprised seven practical sessions on different tracks, including junctions, garage parking, crank course, parallel parking, turn-back course, uphill/downhill, and emergency braking on wet roads.
Daily vehicle inspection required participants to complete a thorough truck inspection, covering engine, brakes, clutch, oil leakage, visibility, electrical equipment, and tires. Participants were also assessed on their fuel-efficiency driving techniques and consumption while operating their vehicles.
The one-day battleground awards prizes in each category, including Champion, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up. The grand prize, known as the Overall Champion, includes a trophy and a cash incentive of RM5,000. In addition, the champion’s company will receive a RM5,000 service and parts voucher, the Champions Cup, and a mock cheque. The total value of prizes for this contest amounts to RM22,000.
