Driving techniques aimed at conserving fuel and curbing emissions of greenhouse gases are catching on in the trucking industry.
Eco-driving, proponents say, helps lower fuel costs, improves safety, and is good for both people and the planet.
Takehiro Shimazawa, a safety instructor in the Tokyo office of Yamato Transport Co., the country's largest door-to-door parcel delivery firm, said: "When you start the vehicle slowly in low gear and engage the clutch, you can drive at a speed of about 30 kph without setting foot on the accelerator even once. You can save about 5cc of fuel this way."