The annual Volvo Trucks Malaysia Fuelwatch Challenge 2013 concluded with a crescendo as cheers echoed at the announcement of Malaysia’s most fuel efficient trucker at a gala dinner this evening.

The Champion, Mr Zamri bin Abd Rahman of Konsortium Logistic Bhd, Shah Alam, defeated close to 500 truckers nationwide, who took part in the Challenge to vie for the top spot since the preliminary rounds kicked off on 30th April this year. His victory was cemented by the lowest fuel consumption recording of just 1 litre to 4.07 kilometres in a 40-kilometre final drive challenge held in Shah Alam this morning.

The first runner-up is Mr Azahar bin Ahmad of MISC Integrated Logistic Sdn Bhd, Kuantan, who recorded a fuel consumption of 1 litre to 3.77 kilometres and the second runner-up is Mr Abdul Najib bin Othman of Kontena Nasional Bhd, Prai, with fuel consumption of 1 litre to 3.28 kilometres.

As the Champion, Mr Zamri bin Abdul Rahman stands to compete with other champion drivers from Asia and Australia in the Asia Finals to be held in Australia in October.

Marking its fourth consecutive edition, the Volvo Trucks Malaysia Fuelwatch Challenge conducts an annual search for Malaysia’s most fuel efficient trucker, who will pit against some of the world’s best in a fuel efficiency contest. More than a competition, the challenge seeks to fulfil its goal in imparting skills and knowledge for its participants, planting sustainable driving behaviour on the road.

The Fuelwatch Challenge offers a treasure trove of skills and information, equipping truckers with the ability to churn out the best fuel consumption possible for their vehicles. This is achieved through a process that encompasses a comprehensive approach and setting the right ergonomics between man and machine for maximum output, with minimum fuel.

Guest-of-honor at the dinner, Mr Ir Mohamad bin Dalib, who is the Director of Automotive Engineering Division and Road Transport Department of the Malaysia Ministry of Transport (MOT) commended Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge for its wide reach among Malaysian truck drivers. He said, “Volvo Malaysia’s Fuelwatch Challenge is in line with the objective of the Malaysian Government to reduce CO2 emission and guard the environment. The global focus is now on sustainable development and I believe that by starting this process at the grassroots level, this Challenge had succeeded in touching more than one component of the trucking ecosystem”

“With so much to benefit from the Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge, I hope to see it continue to grow and that we’ll see more truck drivers and their employers coming out to support this initiative that will ultimately contribute to the economic and environmental sustainability of our country” said Ir Mohamad.

An elated Mr Zamri bin Abd Rahman remarked on his win, “I am extremely delighted and speechless to have won the title this year. Participating in the Fuelwatch Challenge has indeed taught me a great deal about the efficient use of fuel and the ways to utilise all the equipment in the truck like the engine break to give me better drivability and results. Importantly also, I am now more equipped with the knowledge on how to better ensure safety on the road, for myself and for others. Volvo Trucks Malaysia also treated us like kings throughout the event and with the introduction of the Globe Truckers club, our status as truck drivers is definitely something to be proud of”.

“I would definitely recommend my fellow truckers who have not participated in this challenge to take part next year. I’m excited and nervous as I look forward to the Asia Finals. I will definitely try my best in bringing home a trophy!” he added.