Scania Australia has today announced a new national search for the best Young Australian Truck Driver.
Following the success of the inaugural competition in 2007, Scania expects strong interest from young Australian truck drivers, each bidding for a place in the National Finals, to be held in Melbourne on Saturday November 20. The winner earns a prize of $10,000.
The Scania Young Australian Truck Driver 2010 competition aims to increase road safety, boost driver confidence and skills as well as improve the perception of professionalism of truck drivers in the wider community. It also aims to increase driver efficiency and reduce vehicle wear and tear, two of the key variables in the industry that can dramatically affect an operator’s bottom line.
Scania’s YATD 2010 competition is affiliated with the worldwide Scania Driver competition, which has been taking place in 28 countries throughout 2010. Globally, the competition is expected to attract around 50,000 entrants, making it the largest of its kind.
“We believe the driver is the single most important factor when it comes to improving fuel economy, thereby reducing emissions and wear and tear on the vehicle,” says Roger McCarthy, Managing Director of Scania Australia.
“The competition will play an important part in highlighting best driving practices which will translate to safer driving and improved road safety conditions for all road users.”
Scania is now looking for young (under 40-years-old) Australian truck drivers who have the skills and determination to meet the challenges of the competition.
In addition to exceptional driving skills, drivers must demonstrate a positive attitude, road safety awareness, stamina and professional pride. Only drivers with these qualities will succeed through the theoretical (web-based) stages to make it to the Australian National Final.
The winner of the Scania YATD 2010 competition becomes a role model and ambassador for the Australian road transport industry, and helps to attract more young Australians into the profession.
Scania aims to use the promotion of the Scania YATD 2010 competition to raise awareness of some of the key issues affecting the Australian transportation sector.
“These continue as challenging times for the Australian transport industry. There is uncertainty in the market, a changing political environment, potential for rising fuel costs, increasingly congested driving conditions and ongoing environmental concerns,” says Roger.
“That is why the Scania YATD 2010 competition is firmly focused on promoting road safety at the highest level and economical driving.
“I would encourage all young drivers, and also their employers and managers, to enter the competition and challenge themselves against their peers. We know young drivers are pretty competitive, and the web-based selection stages of the competition will give them a firm indication of how good they are at their job,” Roger says.
Young drivers can enter the Scania Young Australian Truck Driver 2010 competition on the web. For full entry details visit the Scania website.