A further clear increase in demand for the programme of ‘ProfiTraining’ (professional training) events in Wörth became evident during 2005. A total of 30,600 drivers (in the previous year the figure was 28,000) took advantage of a broad range of practically oriented instruction and training courses. Of these, 22,000 drivers joined the driver information courses at the Wörth plant, while another 5,600 delegates joined courses run at their own fleet premises. There was also a strong demand for the “ECO” programmes, attended by 1,500 participants, while 1,100 drivers attended further special seminars. The fact that 400 delegates took part in one of our driver safety training courses further underlines the interest shown by companies in the safe driving practice of their drivers.

Such delegate numbers demonstrate both the need for information and the high level of acceptance of the Wörth training centre. Technical advances have not been the only factors leading to improvements in transport performance and to today’s better levels of safety and lower fuel consumption: the fuel-efficient driving style of the truck drivers themselves has also played a role. DaimlerChrysler has been providing training courses for its Mercedes-Benz truck customers for more than 30 years. In addition to the driver information courses run on a daily basis at the Wörth plant, the company offers driver programmes and courses on fuel-efficient driving tailored to specific customers’ requirements – held either at the Wörth plant or at the customer’s own premises – as well as driver safety training.