Minister Ivaylo Moskovski awarded the winner of the first eco-driving competition
02.09.2011
Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski awarded today the winner of the first economical and ecological driving-race. A record number of drivers took part in the ride – 421 people, who competed in 15 different Bulgarian cities. The tournament, organized by Volvo Bulgaria under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications has proven that with proper driving-manner, proper use of trucks’ driving systems, advanced technology and regular maintenance significant annual fuel savings (up to 25%) can be achieved.
Minister Moskovski presented the award to the winner of the race Petko Vasilev from Sliven, owner of transport company "Dima", who will represent Bulgaria in October in the International Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
This initiative is very important because there are currently 3,823 registered companies in Bulgaria that operate about 19,000 trucks for domestic shipments and 8,483 companies that operate over 40,000 trucks for international shipments, added Ivaylo Moskovski. According to his words, the National Statistics Institute has calculated that for the second quarter of 2011, goods transported by road transport have increased by nearly 20%.
To be competitive in the market, these companies need to optimise fuel, supplies and maintenance expenses. However, drivers’ safety remains essential. The campaign aims to support all these, Minister Moskovski said.
Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications welcomes and supports all initiatives which aim at improving the fleet as well as safe and “green” driving. We are also taking measures in this direction. Among them is a new organization of technical inspections, which will sift out vehicles which are old or out of order, he added.
Minister Moskovski congratulated the sponsor of the campaign – Volvo-Bulgaria, wishing them the event to be the first of many, and promised that such initiatives will have his support in future.
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