Truckers compete to cut fuel consumption and boost safety

The new trucks, called Scania Streamline, are optimized for fuel consumption and have new low-drag looks. [Provided to China Daily]

Swedish truck and bus manufacturer Scania AB, hopes that its newest truck will boost its growth in the Chinese market.

The truck, Scania Streamline, is the name of the Scania G and R-series long-haulage trucks that are optimized for low fuel consumption and feature new low-drag looks and full air deflector kits.

The trucks will be available in China this year and will come standard with the Scania driver support system.

Peter Sjoblom, managing director of Scania (China) Sales Co Ltd, said market opportunities arise from China's fast pace of urbanization.

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The nation is emphasizing quality urban development, as well as green low-carbon and sustainable growth by promoting the use of safer, low-fuel consumption vehicles of all sizes.

Featuring a 13L Euro4 engine with outstanding torque-to-power ratio, Streamline delivers maximum torque from 1,000 r/min. Add to this the new low-drag gearbox and the backward exhaust outlet and the total fuel saving potential is as high as 15 percent compared to its previous generation.

Eager to enhance its market presence and earning ability, the company will continue to hold driver competitions to help Chinese truck owners improve road safety.

More than 2,000 truck drivers were invited to participate in Scania driver competitions in Shenzhen, Wuhan, Harbin, Wuxi and Xiamen this year. The contests are the world's largest truck driving and training events and it is the third time they will be held in China. Drivers will use the Scania Streamline to compete in the event, which starts in June.

The competition will see professional drivers tackle numerous challenges and carry out tasks including fire emergency tests and accurate parking.

The final competition will take place in Ximen in August. The winner will get a cash reward and join winners from other parts of the world for a visit to Scania's global headquarters in Sodertalje, which is 30 kilometers southwest of Stockholm.

The international competition aims to minimize the environmental impact of truck driving by increasing road-safety awareness and improving fuel consumption. This year marks the sixth edition of the event, since it was first held in 2003.

More than 85,000 truck drivers from 40 nations hope to compete this year.