Steve Gould, from B&D Crane Trucks in Adelaide will be rewarded in an online ceremony for going the extra mile after UD Trucks Australia announced the winner of the local competition of the 2020 Extra Mile Challenge.
The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is a driver-skill based competition that tests drivers across several key areas, aiming to demonstrate how improvements in driver behaviour can translate to safer driving, improved fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear on vehicles.
The local Australian competition ran for 12 weeks, with drivers hand-picked by UD Trucks’ customers to compete in the challenge. 12 drivers from three UD Trucks dealerships participated across Australia, supported by dedicated dealership Fuel Watch Managers.
Steve proved to be the driver with the highest percentage increase in performance over the 12 week competition. Drivers were monitored through the course of the competition via the truck’s telematics system, with the winner determined by the highest positive percentage change in driver score across the competition.
The UD Telematics system measures driver’s against anticipation and braking, engine and gear utilisation, speed adaptation and standstill to produce an overall ‘Driver’s score.’
Not only did Steve see a 230 per cent increase on his original starting position, he finished the 12 weeks with the highest average driver’s score of 89 out of 100, demonstrating his commitment to applying his learnings in efficient driving practices and maintaining them consistently.
Throughout the competition, Steve had regular check-ins with his Fuel Watch Manager, Chris Moar from South Central Truck & Bus in Adelaide.
“We had several conversations where I was able to use the data I had from the truck’s telematics system to update Steve on his progress,” said Chris. “We also talked about the best ways to improve in the various areas, so he could consistently improve his score and maintain safe and fuel efficient driving practices.”
The plan would have been for Steve to travel to UD Trucks headquarters in Ageo, Japan to compete in the Extra Mile Challenge Global final. However due to the pandemic a virtual ceremony will take place to award all local winners from across the globe.
While the live streamed virtual ceremony will be hosted in Japan, Steve will be celebrating his win with South Central Truck & Bus and UD Truck representatives in Adelaide on March 16 2021.
