2017 Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge Winners In India Announced

Volvo Trucks, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, for the 8th consecutive year, conducted the Fuelwatch Challenge India Finals recently.

Recognised as an annual mainstay event in the industry and represents the company's Fuelwatch mission towards a fuel-efficient industry model.

Following a series of national competitions across the region, 29 top contenders met for a decisive driving in Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh.

The Fuelwatch Challenge India is an emphasis that fuel-efficient driving takes a lot more than being able to drive from A to B destination. The driver has a significant impact on the vehicle's fuel efficiency, and to make the most out of the truck with the least possible fuel consumption, the driver must plan the journey and think ahead.

The entire route has to be strategized, and the driver must know when to speed up and when to slow down as well as when to use the truck's momentum and keep rolling.

Mr Appana Babu, of BGR Mining and Infra Pvt Ltd, was adjudged as the 2017 Fuelwatch Championship. He will represent India in the finals held in Sweden.

Mr Rajkaran Kushwaha, from Baghel Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd, Singrauli Madhya Pradesh, came in as the 1st Runner Up and Mr Bablu Ghatwal from Coal Mines Associated Traders Pvt. Ltd as the 2nd Runner-up.

At a ceremony scheduled on June 23, 2017, in New Delhi, the Fuelwatch Challenge winners will be felicitated and lauded for their award-winning skills.

A jubilant Mr Appana Babu says, "This is a dream come true for me. I have been visualising this competition in my head for over a year now, and I performed exactly as I had thought to do. Winning this is not only about driving, but also based on the understanding of the terrain, the vehicle and how to move in harmony."

Mr B Dinakar, Vice President Sales & Marketing Volvo Trucks said, "I would like to congratulate the winners and participants without whom our mission to further sustainable growth in the country would not be possible."

He added, "The competition also helps us at Volvo Trucks to relook at technology and improve upon it. This year we saw increased participation from over 400 drivers of 29 customers. The fuel-efficiency margins clocked by the winners have achieved new targets for possible savings in a real-world context, which is a testimony to the fact that driver training is pivotal for ensuring increased fuel efficiency."

Mr Dinakar further added, "We at Volvo Trucks believe that the role of drivers is integral to achieving optimal fuel efficiency. In fact, with regular driver engagement through our driver training programs, we have observed that the best drivers can achieve up to 30 percent better fuel efficiency compared to average drivers."

"Till date, we have trained over 55,000 truck drivers nationwide, and together we are spearheading the Fuelwatch mission in the industry. With our globally accredited training programs, Indian truck drivers are proving to be top contenders and are making their mark in the global Fuelwatch Challenge."

Since its inaugural event in 2010, more than 20,000 participants have become ambassadors of the Fuelwatch community, sharing skills and technical knowledge picked up at the event to promote a more fuel-efficient industry. For drivers to go further, it takes more than driving.

DriveSpark Thinks!

The Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge reveals the best possible benefits in a real-world condition for companies and at the same time benefit the carbon reduction and the society on the whole.