Hino Smart Driving Contest promotes safe, smart and efficient driving

SHAH ALAM - After a three-year hiatus, Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd announces the return of the Hino Smart Driving Contest to promote smart, safe and efficient driving.

The contest held on Sept 23, aimed at assessing and improving the driving skills of truck drivers, particularly those operating Hino trucks.

In the friendly competition, 20 truckers from 11 different companies that went through the preliminary rounds in August, participated.

The competition was part of Hino Malaysia's efforts to promote its Hino Smart Driving programme, which was hosted at the Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC) in Sendayan.

Its aim was to enhance participants’ 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’.

The event was officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke together and Hino Motor Sales Malaysia managing director Atsushi Uchiyama.

Loke said programme's theme resonated with the government's vision and aim to reduce road fatalities by half by 2030, as outlined in the Road Safety Plan 2022-2030.

“Driver training programmes, such as those offered by Hino Total Support Customer Centre, play an important role in achieving this goal.

“These courses equip drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive safely and efficiently.

“With improved skills and awareness, we hope that drivers understand and start practicing safer driving to protect themselves as well as the other road users,” he said in his speech.

Meanwhile Uchiyama said the Hino Smart Driving Contest was seeking to recognise and celebrate the achievements of drivers while also enhancing the company's reputation.

“This competition is a remarkable opportunity for drivers to showcase their skills and be motivated to strive for excellence. It not only recognises the drivers but also boosts the company's image.

"Through this competition, we aim to elevate our brand image and enhance the productivity for our customers’ drivers. We want them to take pride in being valued Hino customers and drivers," he said.

In the one-day battleground, the evaluation of participants encompassed three main areas which were practical driving skills, driver familiarisation with focus on daily vehicle inspection and fuel-efficient economy driving.

Meanwhile, the driving skills section comprised seven practical sessions on different tracks, including junction, garage parking, crank course, parallel parking, turn-back course, uphill/downhill, and emergency braking on wet roads.

The overall winners of the Hino Smart Driving Contest 2023 were Ismail Ramli from Sankyu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (champion), Muhammad Aidil Aizat Mohd Nasir from J&T Express Sdn Bhd (first runner up) and Mohamed Faizal Mohamed Azahar from Tasco Berhad (second runner up).

The grand prize, known as the Overall Champion, included a trophy and 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 amounted to RM22,000.