UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge 2018 names the ultimate driver in Quon and Quester

Extra Mile Challenge 2018 Final was completed on October 25 at the UD Experience Center in its Ageo corporate headquarters. There were nine finalists, selected from 300 initial participants who underwent local qualifying rounds held in 9 countries. The countries represented at the Final were Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and Thailand.

The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is the company’s signature annual competition. It reproduces an actual truck operation cycle, assessing drivers in the three key areas of pre-journey inspection, fuel efficiency and safe driving, and maneuvering and parking. The Extra Mile Challenge is the quest for the ultimate driver, measuring effectiveness in operational cost and reduced downtime in addition to safe and skilled driving. Contestants compete in either of UD’s Quon or Quester heavy-duty trucks.

The Extra Mile Challenge 2018 winners were Mohd Hisham at BHS Kinetic Pte Ltd. from Singapore, in Quon and Eko Yulianto at PT Duta Lintas Nusa from Indonesia in Quester.
Commenting in their win, the Team Drivers had this to say:

Mohd Hisham at BHS Kinetic Pte Ltd. (Quon)
“I have been focused on this event for the past year. It’s been a tremendous experience. I’ve learnt so much…about fuel consumption, about protecting cargo….everything.”

Eko Yulianto at PT Duta Lintas Nusa (Quester)
“I am so pleased and honoured. I think the key to success is to remain calm during the activity. If you are not calm, you can make mistakes even if you’re a good driver. I am very confident and mentally ready, but I’m not perfect. I know I have to keep striving. I still have a way to go to become the iltimate driver.”

For UD Trucks, the quest for the ultimate driver is part of its vision of smart logistics providing solutions to society’s needs. “Further efficiency in distribution is essential to meet the rapidly growing demand for parcel delivery. Competition in the distribution sector is also becoming more intense, while at the same time there is a severe labor shortage, particularly of skilled drivers. Despite those challenges, we have to be ever mindful of environmental issues, congestion and safety” explained Kishi Nobuhiko, Senior Vice President, Brand, Communication and Products. “This is why we say the world needs smart logistics which is efficient and profitable, safe and sustainable, and people friendly logistics” he continued.

Takamitsu Sakamaki, UD Trucks President and Representative Director, observed that smart logistics is the interface between trucks and the people who drive them. “That’s why we support driver development with initiatives such as today’s Extra Mile Challenge, to raise their awareness of what is essential for the dltimate driver.”

Jacques Michel, President, Volvo Group Trucks Asia & JVs Sales reflected on the achievements and determination of the drivers “The performances of these ‘ultimate drivers’ reaffirmed our view that the role of a skillful driver is pivotal to better profitability for our customers’ businesses. We are not only celebrating the winners but also the positive impact we have made to the industry and society at large”.

The company takes the view that people depend on logistics, and logistics depends on people. UD Trucks are designed with the driver in mind. The Extra Mile Challenge demonstrates the company’s commitment to driver education and motivation, going the extra mile for smart logistics.