The 2016 winner bested the global field in a slightly revamped competition
The Volvo Trucks Drivers’ Fuel Challenge 2016 has been run and won with Tomáš Horčička from the Czech Republic taking the crown as the most efficient driver.
Besting 12,000 global applicants and the finals’ other 27 competitors, Horčička used only 2.90 litres of fuel to complete the challenge in just 10 minutes and 40 seconds.
“Winning The Drivers’ Fuel Challenge means the world to me,” the 34-year-old driver says.
“And since I am both a truck driver and a company owner, I know how important fuel-efficient driving really is.”
Testing drivers on their ability to travel efficiently, Volvo Trucks’ challenge required them to traverse a 6.9km test track in Gothenburg, Sweden, in less than 12 minutes and 30 seconds and save as much fuel as possible.
The drivers were judged on the fuel used and were awarded bonus points for finishing the course inside the allotted time.
Volvo Trucks product manager in charge of the challenge Lene Larson says the test highlights the skills required by today’s drivers.
“Through the Drivers’ Fuel Challenge we want to show the difference a good driver makes,” Larson says.
“A fuel-efficient driver can make a substantial difference and save as much as 10 per cent in fuel costs.
“In the long run, that means huge cost savings for transport companies.
“And I am truly impressed by how well the drivers utilised the potential and techniques of the trucks.”
This year’s event added the bonus point twist, making driver’s juggle speed versus fuel.
Volvo Trucks senior vice president of product and vehicle sales Ricard Fritz says it was in an effort to further match real-world requirements.
“Meeting delivery deadlines is critical for today’s transport companies,” Fritz says.
“By including time constraints, the skills to prove in the Drivers’ Fuel Challenge are even more practical and relevant to the driver’s day-to-day work.
“To win, the driver needs to drive in an exceptionally well-planned, forward-looking and fuel-efficient way.”
Rounding out the challenge’s top four was Stanislav Martynov from Russia, Emir Salihović from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kjetil Dale from Norway.
On top of being crowned Volvo Trucks’ most fuel efficient driver, Horčička won a trip to the Formula 1 race of his choice.