Earlier this month, 28 truck drivers from all over the world gathered at Volvo Trucks’ test track in Gothenburg, Sweden, to participate in the Drivers’ Fuel Challenge. The competition consists of driving a Volvo FH around the 4.3-mile-long track while using as little fuel as possible. This year’s set-up also included a twist: Participants who managed to complete the course with time to spare were given extra points.
Owner-operator Tomáš Horčička, a 34-year-old drive from the Czech Republic, brought home the title.
“Winning The Drivers’ Fuel Challenge means the world to me. And since I am both a truck driver and a company owner, I know how important fuel-efficient driving really is.” said Tomáš Horčička.
The competition highlights the critical importance of fuel efficiency for truck drivers, as well as fuel-saving technology from Volvo.
“Meeting delivery deadlines is critical for today’s transport companies. By including time constraints, the skills to prove in the Drivers’ Fuel Challenge are even more practical and relevant to the driver’s day-to-day work. To win, the driver needs to drive in an exceptionally well-planned, forward-looking and fuel-efficient way,” said Ricard Fritz, senior vice president of product and vehicle sales, Volvo Trucks.
To succeed, the drivers needed to achieve a high average speed while keeping fuel consumption to a minimum, which was made possible thanks to a Volvo FH equipped with the recently enhanced powertrain.
“Our updated powertrain enables the engine and gearbox to utilize their full combined potential to deliver even more efficient transportations,” said Mats Franzén, product manager, powertrain components – engines at Volvo Trucks.
Fuel accounts for around a third of a transport company’s costs. That is why Volvo Trucks works continuously to meet the customer’s growing needs for fuel-efficient transport. But to be a truly fuel-efficient transport company, a modern truck is not enough; a good driver is a necessity. For this reason, Volvo Trucks puts strong emphasis on vehicle handovers and professional driver training.
“Through the Drivers’ Fuel Challenge we want to show the difference a good driver makes. A fuel-efficient driver can make a substantial difference and save as much as 10 percent in fuel costs. In the long run, that means huge cost savings for transport companies. And I am truly impressed by how well the drivers utilized the potential and techniques of the trucks,” said Lene Larsen, project manager, The Drivers’ Fuel Challenge, Volvo Trucks.
Clinching a spot at the Drivers’ Fuel Challenge 2016 final was no small feat. The 28 competing drivers in the global final qualified through national and regional Drivers’ Fuel Challenge competitions held across the world, which involved more than 12,000 drivers.
Of the 28 participant in this year’s Drivers’ Fuel Challenge, Stanislav Martynov from Russia, Emir Salihović from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tomáš Horčička from the Czech Republic and Kjetil Dale from Norway made it to the grand final.
Along with the title of “world’s most fuel efficient truck driver,” Horčička also received a VIP-trip for two to a Formula 1 race of his choice, where he will gain unique insights into the F1 racing world
