New Zealand Winner of Volvo Trucks Drivers’ Fuel Challenge

MOTOR TRUCK DISTRIBUTORS (NZ) LTD

Media Information
For immediate release
20 June 2013

New Zealand Winner of Volvo Trucks Drivers’ Fuel Challenge

Chris Foot from JPM Ltd of Dunedin has been named 2013 winner in the New Zealand final of the Volvo Drivers’ Fuel Challenge. Mr Foot has booked himself a place in the Asia Pacific final in August and potentially the world final in Sweden.

The challenge held in Palmerston North involved driving a fully laden Volvo FH- 540Hp truck around a pre-determined course in the most fuel-efficient way possible.

Five drivers took part in the challenge, each the winner of heats held throughout New Zealand. The drivers completed a 35 km course twice and as they did so, Volvo Truck’s own Dynafleet transport information system silently recorded their behaviour by monitoring brake use, gear selections, speeds, idle times and acceleration. The result was a close call, with just 90 ml of fuel separating Mr. Foot from runner up, Andrew Douch, fleet owner of Douch Transport in Rotorua.

Organised by Motor Trucks Distributors (MTD), the New Zealand Importer and licensed distributor of Volvo Trucks, this is the first time that this global challenge has been held in New Zealand. Volvo Trucks’ National Sales Manager, Clive Jones is pleased with the success of the event and sees it becoming an annual event here.

‘The whole event has been an overwhelming success. We have been impressed with the skills and attitude of all the competitors. These guys really want to do things right and make a real difference in their industry. We need drivers like this to change the public perception of our industry. ‘

Aside from the obvious environmental and cost benefits gained from reducing fuel usage, educating drivers to think about how they drive has positive implications for maintenance and road safety according to Mr. Jones, “We know these guys have a lower average speed, cause less wear and tear and have less accidents & incidents – all of which benefit truck operators and other road users. We are fortunate to sell Volvo Trucks to some of New Zealand’s leading operators who take their commitment to professionalism seriously and employ fantastic drivers.’

The Volvo Fuel Challenge allows operators to demonstrate their commitment to driver development and environmental awareness. It takes place annually in more than 50 markets around the world. The global winner will be decided at the home of Volvo Trucks in Gothenburg, Sweden in October.

New Zealand Results Table:

# Name Company Area

1 Chris Foot JPM Ltd Christchurch/Dunedin 2 Andrew Douch Douch Transport Ltd Rotorua 3 Noel Dempsey Freightliners Tirau 4 Steve Putt Fonterra Matamata 5 Malcolm McGrath Temuka Transport Ltd. Timaru

#ENDS

Motor Truck Distributors (NZ) Ltd (MTD) are the exclusive importers and distributors of new Mack & Renault Trucks and Volvo Truck & Bus. MTD is the industry leader in providing vehicle sales for these three franchises, with a subsidiary company Truck Stops (NZ) Limited providing a 24 hours a day, seven days a week after sales parts and service network throughout the country.

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