The UD Lap concludes

As we approach the end of 2023, UD Truck’s 50th year here on Australia soil, it seems timely to reflect on UD’s epic Lap of the Map tour that began just shy of a year ago.

Following National Highway 1, the trip was inspired by UD Trucks founder Kenzo Adachi’s legendary 1939 test drive where he embarked on a grueling 3000km journey to prove the ultimate dependability of his new vehicle.

In fact, we joined the Lap of the Map for one leg from Perth up the coast to Karratha in the Pilbara region of WA.

Now, after completing the 15,500km journey at the wheel of the UD Quon CW 25 360, Matt Wood, Volvo Group PR, takes some time to reflect on the trip.

“It turns out that the Quon was very fuel efficient,” says Wood. “At a gross weight of over 22,000kg, the loaded truck averaged 2.9km/litre.”

While the epic journey reinforced the dependability and reliability of the UD in Australia, the heart of this journey was undoubtedly the people that Wood visited along the way, that built their business on UD Trucks and that have become a part of the UD family over the years.

“It was a great opportunity to meet the faces of UD customers and dealers off the beaten track that built the brand here in Australia and made it what it is today,” he says.

From broken outback highways and rutted dirt tracks to the major capital cities, the 6x4 Quon faced all challenges thrown its way with aplomb.

The Quon survived searing heat and the humidity of the tropical far north on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria as well as the dry and harsh terrain across the vast reaches of Australia.

In fact, the truck had to deal with virtually every climate system Australia had to throw at it.

Far from being just an around town pick-up and delivery vehicle, the 6x4 UD proved itself as a capable cross-continental hauler.

“We see the UD Quon delivering safety, reliability, comfort and efficiency for our customers day and day out,” said Lauren Pulitano, outgoing Vice President, UD Trucks Australia.

“However, taking our truck into the wilderness to visit some of the people who helped build our business over the last five decades allowed us to take the road less travelled and tell their genuine stories.

“Stories of hard work, dedication, and trust. Stories that have made the Australian transport industry and UD Trucks what they are today,” Ms Pulitano concluded.