Australia’s representative wins wealth of insight and experience
The global final of the Volvo Trucks Drivers’ Fuel Challenge took place in Gothenburg this month, with the best drivers from 33 countries steering for the title of world’s most efficient driver.
In its sixth year, the annual competition took place on September 13-14 in Sweden, focusing on the key areas of fuel efficiency, productivity and of course safety.
“The drivers competing for the title achieved excellent performances in each area,” Volvo Trucks SVP brand, marketing and communication,” Maria Bergving says.
“They showed that it is possible to have a highly fuel-efficient driving style, deliver a fragile load quickly in good condition and, at the same time, follow the road safety regulations to the letter.
“The Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge brings together all the different challenges that truck drivers face every day.”
Polish driver Piotr Krahel took out top spot, followed by Sweden’s own runner up Bert Johansson.
“Winning the Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge is a big achievement for me!” Krahel says.
“The final was really tough and I was up against a lot of very experienced drivers.
“I’m impressed that Volvo Trucks stages this motivational event which attracts so many drivers from all over the world.”
The aim of the Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge is to draw attention to the important work done by truck drivers.
It is also a way of attracting young people and job seekers to the constantly growing logistics and transport industry.
“To help our customers to recruit and retain skilled drivers, we have been focusing for many years on the design of the driver’s environment and the drivability of our trucks,” Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge project manager Lene Larsen says.
“Driver support systems, which make it easier for drivers to manoeuvre trucks safely, and driver training covering everything from handling trucks to a fuel-efficient driving style are other examples of how we help drivers to do a first-class job and to grow and develop.”
Australia’s representative driver, Phillip Crowe of Total Concrete Solutions, had a blast competing and, while he didn’t win, he brings home a wealth of fuel-saving knowledge.
“This was my first time out of Australia and it was a great experience,” Crowe says.
“I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge, and particularly like the focus it puts on professional and fuel-efficient driving.
“It is extremely important to have training from the very beginning to allow drivers to start off on the right foot.
“There is not enough professionalism in the industry these days.
“There needs to be a cultural change and a focus on long-term skills development.
“The right kind of attitude can accomplish anything, and the Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge is a great initiative to demonstrate how much a difference that attitude can make to professional driving.”