The International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have partnered to provide a large-scale eco-driving awareness session for taxi and bus operators in Baku, Azerbaijan, as well as an FIA Smart Driving Challenge at COP29.

Carried out in partnership with Baku’s leading bus and taxi operators and with the support of FIA Member the Azerbaijan National Automobile Club (AMAK), the initiative will train 5,000 drivers on how to make sustainable decisions on the road. It will cover smooth braking, heating, idling and other emission-intensive behaviours.

Drivers will then have the chance to put this into practice, using the FIA Smart Driving Challenge app. The app provides an AI-powered smart score to assess the sustainability of each journey.  The general public will also be able to join the challenge by downloading the app – regardless of where they are in the world or what vehicle they drive.

FIA Director of Sustainability and D&I Sara Mariani said, “I am delighted to partner with IRU to promote smart driving, alongside AMAK at COP29. Here at the FIA, we know how important it is to tackle road emissions and encourage safer and more sustainable driving behaviour, particularly during large-scale events like COP29. This initiative is part of the FIA’s wider commitment to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for mobility users worldwide.” 

IRU Senior Director of Strategy and Development Vincent Erard said, “Improving driver efficiency is key to transport decarbonisation. This important initiative with FIA puts eco-driving training at the heart of practical efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, showcasing our sector’s sustainability commitment to both COP29 participants and Baku residents who use the city’s bus, coach and taxi services.” 

FIA Member Club AMAK also supports the initiative.

President of AMAK Vusal Rajabli said, “AMAK has been at the forefront of road safety in Azerbaijan for the last 15 years, continuously advocating for safe, sustainable roads, mobility and transport. This project represents a successful partnership with the FIA, which AMAK is a proud Mobility Member. Over the years, we have learned a lot from the FIA, always appreciating their support and assistance. We would also like to thank the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, as well as to the AYNA team, for their support and active involvement in making this project a success.

“We are happy to present this FIA Smart Driving Challenge project here in our home city, Baku. We hope to have more informed and responsible drivers to help us make our city greener.”

The challenge will run from 6-19 November. The winning drivers will be announced on COP29 Transport Day, on 20 November.