UD Trucks Australia has proclaimed Steve Gould, employee of B&D Crane Trucks Adelaide, winner of the Australian Extra Mile Challenge 2020.
The Extra Mile Challenge is run by UD Trucks International and supported by markets around the world, including Australia, challenging drivers in the local qualifying rounds to continuously improve their performance.
It is a driver-skill based competition that tests drivers across several key areas, demonstrating how improvements in driver behaviour directly translate to safer driving, improved fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear on vehicles.
According to UD Trucks Australia, Gould showed the highest percentage increase in performance over the 12-week competition.
The plan was for Gould to travel to UD Trucks headquarters in Ageo, Japan, to compete in the Extra Mile Challenge Global final.
However, due to the pandemic a virtual ceremony will take place to award all local winners from across the globe.
The Australian competition saw 12 drivers hand-picked by UD Trucks’ customers competing against each other, supported by dedicated dealership Fuel Watch Managers.
Drivers were monitored via the truck’s telematics system, with the winner gaining the highest positive percentage change in driver score across the competition.
The UD Telematics system measures a range of parameters including anticipation and braking, engine and gear utilisation, speed adaptation and idle time to produce an overall ‘Driver’s score.’
Gould managed a massive 230 per cent increase on his original starting position, finishing with the highest average of 89 out of 100.
Throughout the competition, he had regular check-ins with his Fuel Watch Manager, Chris Moar, from South Central Truck & Bus in Adelaide.
“We had several conversations where I was able to use the data from the truck’s telematics system to update Steve on his progress,” said Moar.
“We also talked about the best ways to improve in the various areas, so he could consistently improve his score and build safe and fuel-efficient driving practices.”
Bob Miller, owner of B&D Crane Trucks, said his employee’s amazing driver’s score wasn’t the only improvement the company has gained from its association with UD Trucks.
“We have already found the new UD Quons in our fleet to be exceptionally fuel-efficient trucks,” said Miller.
“I’m delighted to see the improvements that can be made to increase that saving even further.”
Gould will be celebrating his win with UD Truck representatives at South Central Truck & Bus in Adelaide on 16 March 2021.