Volvo Fuel Challenge to find Australia’s most efficient drivers

Volvo Trucks Australia is on the hunt to find the nation’s most fuel efficient drivers, using Dynafleet telematics to analyse truck driver skills from around the country.

“Fuel is expensive – it accounts for one-third of operator costs – and while Volvo designs and builds the most fuel efficient trucks, fuel consumption is ultimately down to how the truck is driven,” explained Mitch Peden, Vice-President – Volvo Trucks Australia.

“The Volvo Drivers’ Fuel Challenge puts the skills of the driver in focus, and highlights the vital importance of fuel efficiency knowledge and competency.

“To help us run this Challenge we use Volvo’s Dynafleet technology, which is designed in a way that helps individual drivers track and improve their driving performance by providing real-time results on how efficiently they drive.

“We will be using Dynafleet data to identify the most fuel efficient driver, and it’s this information alone that determines who progresses through, and ultimately wins, the Australian Drivers’ Fuel Challenge.”

Twenty drivers will take part in the 2018 Volvo Drivers’ Fuel Challenge, which will take place over two days on July 16 and 17 at Mount Cotton in Queensland. From the field of 20 drivers, one will ultimately be successful in representing Australia on the world stage.

The winner will travel to Sweden to represent Australia in the global final in September, competing against drivers from 37 other countries around the world.

Last year, Kiwi driver Johnny Baxter took out the final of the event in Gothenburg. Mr Baxter, 27, was also one of the youngest drivers participating in the event.

"It feels just amazing being here this evening and to take the top prize in a competition that included some of the world's best drivers," he said.

The Volvo Drivers’ Fuel Challenge has been running every year since 2012 and has been supported by founding sponsor, Michelin.