Top tips for an economic driving style, by Chris Keen, Senior Truck Trainer
DRIVERS
Chris Keen could be described as ‘part of the furniture’ here at Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK, as he is in his 32nd year with us! Starting out as a technician, he then undertook a career-change to become a Truck Trainer, and has been passing on his knowledge to drivers ever since.
Based at the Truck Training Centre of Excellence at Wentworth Park in South Yorkshire, Chris runs onsite courses which offer a blend of classroom and practical in-cab training to cater for all learning styles. RoadStars recently caught up with Chris to find out about his experience and get some tips on driving economically.
Left to right: Alistair Colquhoun – Senior Truck Trainer; Richard Skidmore – Head of Product Demonstration, TRUCKTraining & Customer Experience; Chris Keen – Senior Truck Trainer.
32 years. Chris, that’s a long time!
I can honestly say that it’s been a pleasure to be able to do what I love for so long. You could say that Mercedes-Benz is really a part of me now, it’s in my DNA!
I’m lucky that I get to experience such diverse truck models, and also gain a broad understanding of the needs of operators, drivers, and dealers at the same time due to being regularly in touch with them.
Tell us more about Mercedes-Benz Truck Training.
Our Truck Training courses, based near Barnsley, are aimed at helping drivers improve their on-road skills, make the best possible use of their truck’s features, and learn how to operate a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in the most efficient way possible.
We recognise that the drivers on our courses are already experienced, and so we’re not showing them how to drive a truck, but how to get the best out of their vehicle and become even better drivers.
What does a typical course look like?
We offer both classroom and practical elements.
For instance, in the morning we’ll start off in the classroom, setting expectations for the course, refreshing some driving basics and best-practices, as well as looking at some of the newer features and equipment that drivers may not be so accustomed to yet.
In the afternoon, we’ll undertake a guided drive in a training Actros so drivers can put our advice into practice. At this point, we’ll also demonstrate new equipment and features so that they leave feeling completely confident.
Drivers often befriend us and we stay in touch afterwards – we’re always available if there are any follow up questions after the course!
You mentioned economy. Is this a key focus?
Yes, that’s right. ‘Eco driving’ is a theme that comes up in many of our training days, and it actually has more than just financial benefits. Driving more economically of course has an effect on fuel consumption and reduces the truck’s carbon footprint, but it also enhances driver well-being, as it’s a much more relaxed style of driving.
How does ‘eco driving’ work?
‘Eco driving’ is a combination of driving style and technology.
On the course, we look at the benefits of driving in a relaxed manner, and run through tools such as the speed limiter, cruise control, engine brake, proximity control and so on.
We discuss Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), which uses GPS data and 3D maps to scan the road up to 2km ahead, and decides what measures to take to keep the truck at a constant speed. It takes some pressure off the driver and results in a more comfortable, efficient journey.
We’ll do a 40 minute test run without using PPC, and then repeat the journey with it active. Drivers tend to see a tangible improvement: a reduction in fuel consumption and their carbon footprint. After that, they’re sold!
What’s your best advice for RoadStars on ‘eco driving’?
I would say, trust in the truck and understand its systems. They’re there to help you do an even better job.
Driver apps are really useful, especially if you’re getting into an unfamiliar vehicle or want to check you’ve fully understood everything about your current truck. You can download Mercedes-Benz Guides to your smartphone, these feature informative videos and animations.
https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/lifestyle/mercedes-benz-apps/
Or alternatively, you could speak to a specialist at your Dealer or book onto one of our training courses.
Drive in a relaxed manner. It’s proven to be better for economy and for your own well-being! Don’t always focus on getting from A to B as quickly as possible. If you drive smoothly and take things in your stride, you’ll find that you increase fuel economy and reduce your overall stress levels.
Fleetboard Eco Support is a great tool that I have really seen help driver after driver to get better results. It’s an on-board system that monitors vehicle performance every 20 minutes and offers real-time tips for the driver in order to improve the results they’re getting.
What are the biggest changes that you’ve seen in your time at Mercedes-Benz trucks?
It’s almost impossible to imagine the scope and regularity of the advancements I’ve seen in trucks in any other industry. The changes to make vehicles safer and more efficient are so impressive.
Finally, what’s new for Mercedes-Benz Truck Training in 2019?
In 2019 we’ll be launching new courses dedicated to eco driving and safety, so keep a look out for those.
Ready to take your driving to the next level?
Find out more about Mercedes-Benz Truck Training here:
Telephone: 01226 355 544
Share your tips for driving economically.
We’d love to know how you keep fuel consumption to a minimum when you’re out on the road. Share your tips in the comments below!
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4 comments
Ps........ Like the snow driving tips - it's +40 degrees today.....
Ps........ Like the snow driving tips - it's +40 degrees today.....
They have a great team at Wentworth Park.
They have a great team at Wentworth Park.