METHODS AND RESULTS OF TRAINING ECONOMICALLY TECHNICAL DRIVING IN MEXICO

Abstract

In this paper a methodology in teaching the techniques of the economically efficient conduction of heavy duty vehicles to operators of those vehicles and to other workers of large, medium and small businesses is explained. The participating businesses are dedicated to the transportation of goods and passengers in Mexico. Most of the logistic companies in Mexico are very small. The methodology was adapted from the international literature to the Mexican situation by officials of the Comisión Nacional para Uso Eficiente de la Energía (CONUEE) [1] since the year of 2003. Since then the CONUEE has taught it in many companies. Some of the topics of the courses are theoretical while others are plainly practical. The courses are taught in the premises of the interested companies. The theoretical part consists in the explanation of the parts of a heavy duty vehicle, the concept of energy and that of energy efficiency. Another theoretical part concerns the identification of many old and top of the line technologies to reduce the fuel consumption of the vehicles. The power train of a motorized vehicle is explained in detail as well as the power, torque and specific consumption curves of the engine. On the practical part there is an emphasis on teaching the optimal operation of the vehicle to achieve a minimum consumption of the fuel with respect to the revolutions per minute of the engine. Some practical recommendations are taught regarding maintenance of the vehicles which impact fuel consumption. One of the final parts of the courses is a field practice with the heavy vehicles on the road to verify the techniques learned in the classrooms. A few concepts of business administration are also taught to help in better management of fuel consumption of the companies. Finally, the course is evaluated and there is a follow up of the fuel savings of the participating companies. The results of these courses which are provided by the Mexican Federal Government show that the participating companies manage to save about 30% of the fuel in transporting goods and passengers and reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, the methodology has proved to be very effective. This is very important because the fuel consumption is 20% to 40% of the operation cost of the transportation companies. Besides that, Mexico imports more than 70% of the diesel and gasoline that are consumed in the country. In this paper, the methodology, topics and results of the courses are reported.