Operator Idol’ contest from Volvo Construction Equipment sparks big interest in China

Operator Idol, Volvo Construction Equipment’s first nationwide contest to find China’s most fuel-efficient excavator operator, has enjoyed phenomenal success in its first three months: more than 6,000 operators participated in 32 city competitions across 30 Chinese provinces and received advanced instruction in Volvo’s fuel-efficient Eco Operator techniques in the process – while another 600 operators completed training online.

Though Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) machines are already known for their low fuel consumption, 1.44 billion liters of fuel could be saved annually – equal to 3.76 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions – if the operators of the 800,000 excavators at work in China each day operated their equipment according to the principles of the Eco Operator training program.

Thrilled by its success

“Operator Idol goes hand in hand with Volvo CE’s dedication to care for the environment, so we’ve been thrilled by its success and popularity in one of our fastest growing markets,” says Klas Magnusson, senior vice president of corporate communications at Volvo CE. “So far the contest has proved an excellent way to rapidly make contact with thousands of operators and provide them with valuable Eco Operator skills, and this may encourage us to roll out Operator Idol internationally.”

“Idol is our largest ever operator-focused campaign in China and a significant milestone in our mission to be a socially responsible company in the country while expanding our presence in the market,” says April Li, general manager of marketing and sales support for Volvo CE China. “Because the Chinese market is growing rapidly, this contest is an important initiative that promotes Volvo’s core value of care for the environment through improved fuel efficiency.”

Later this month and throughout October, the winners of the city competitions will compete in one of four regional contests, which will also provide the participants with senior-level Eco Operator training. Operator Idol’s final test of skill will be held in Shanghai on November 18, with China’s top excavator operator winning the free use of a Volvo excavator for a year.

Picture 1: A judge observes the operator of a Volvo EC210B crawler excavator during Volvo Construction Equipment’s Operator Idol contest in China.

Picture 2: The operator of a Volvo EC210B crawler excavator participates in a test of skill and precision during Operator Idol.