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Volvo Trucks Challenge: Aussies dominate on world stage

Kerri Connors and Cameron Simpson impress the judges in the off-road competition

 

Australia and New Zealand have showed we know how to steer at the Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge, where national winners from the Drivers’ Fuel Challenge from all over the world went head-to-head for the title of most efficient truckie!

The global Fuelwatch Challenge saw the very best from 13 countries give it all they had in Gothenburg, home of Volvo Trucks, chasing the coveted title of most efficient driver.

Johnny Baxter from New Zealand won the global on-road category, and Taehun Kim from Korea took out the most fuel-efficient driver in the off-road category.

Aussie Kerri Connors, who was the only female finalist, made us all proud by placing third in the on-road category, and Cameron Simpson from Victoria took out second in the off-road competition.

“Yet again, drivers from Down Under are dominating on the world stage!” Vice President of Volvo Trucks Australia Mitch Peden said.

“These drivers are the best of the best, coming from all around the world to compete for the title of the world’s most fuel efficient driver.

“What is particularly pleasing to in this year’s competition is the professionalism and skill coming from such young drivers.

“Johnny, Kerri and Cameron are all great role models for the transport industry, and they should be extremely proud of their efforts,” he said.

The combined fuel savings of the winners in each category came in at more than 15 per cent, giving real-world proof that big cost savings and reductions in carbon footprint are possible through efficient driving techniques.

Drivers took the wheel of FH or FMX trucks on set courses, across a challenging two day event that put them through their paces.

The Fuelwatch Challenge took the best from 4,280 drivers who’s Dynafleet scores were assessed as part of the competition.

The on-road winner, Johnny Baxter, was one of the youngest drivers participating in the competition at just 27 years of age, showing that age is no limitation!

When the fuel efficiency figures are translated into real-world savings, the competition margins offer significant cost saving potential.

During an average long haul operation of 150,000 kilometres, the on-road fuel efficiency margins could result in 5,000 liters less fuel consumption per truck each year, Volvo Trucks claims.

“The performances we have seen during this year’s Fuelwatch Challenge have re-affirmed our conviction that the role of a skillful driver is pivotal to better profitability for businesses and reduced impact on the environment,” said Senior Vice President of Volvo Trucks International Heléne Mellquist.

“At Volvo Trucks our biggest commitment is to driving progress for our customers, our industry and society as a whole.

“Drivers are, without a doubt, an integral part of this commitment. We will continue to help them excel in their profession and get the most out of our trucks.”

Winners will get an exclusive travel experience to one the stopovers of the Volvo Ocean Race.

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