Scania Malaysia (Scania) and Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM) collaborate to exploring viable commercial opportunities for biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia

From left to right: Dato’ Azman Mahmud, CEO of MIDA, Dato’ Mah Siew Keong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia, Mark Rozario, CEO of AIM, Marie Sjödin Enström, MD of Scania SEA, HE Mrs Kristina Persson, Minister for Strategic Development & Nordic Cooperation of Sweden, HE Mr Bengt G Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Scania Malaysia and Agensi Innovasi Malaysia (AIM).

I was recently invited to do some coverage at the Sweeden-Malaysia Innovation Day 2015 ministerial level round-table discussion here in MIDA, Kuala Lumpur a few days ago. There I witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Swedish manufacturer Scania and the Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM). The MoU's purpose is the collaboration by the Malaysian Government, via AIM and Scania to explore viable commercial opportunities for biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia in line with Malaysia's National Biomass Strategy 2020 (NBS 2020).Scania was represented by the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström, and AIM, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Rozario.

Now biofuels turn waste into clean energy, increase security of fuel supply and improve local economies, help create local job opportunities and industrial development. The collaboration study includes identification of possible project locations, price and market demand projections and economic and operational feasibility. Scania has the technology to catalyse this project as it has been one of the main contributors to the development and adaptation of biofuels, developing and producing commercial biofuel-based transport solutions for over 20 years in Sweden and in around the world. 

How does a company, namely a truck and bus manufacturer have such technology you may ask? Aside from producing commercial vehicles and doing lots of research & development on trucks and buses that can run on biofuel, one must note that most Swedish companies are very innovative. 99% of all waste is recycled into one form or another in Sweden. It is this implementation of recycling within Scania itself that allows such knowhow to be shared with others.And furthermore, what better way to conduct social responsibility programs globally with something that one is already familiar with. Do also add the fact that biofuel from municipal waste still requires transport, i.e garbage trucks, which Scania does supply. An win-win solution. These days, marketing, sales, CSR do things hand in hand. Added value. 

As I was present at the Innovation day, it is not only companies like Scania who are Swedish innovators, there are others in various fields - Saab is in aviation, SKF does world class seals and bearings, Atlas Copco does quality compressors, construction equipment, tools and assembly systems and more. You may also note that Volvo and Ikea are Swedish products too. They are very forward thinking and it would be beneficial for a country like Malaysia to learn from this country and their people. Technology makes lives better most of the time. And so, I do hope that Malaysia as a whole would put more emphasis on technology so that we do not get left behind. 

Anyway, according to what I have learnt, the study conducted between Scania and AIM will take a while. It will be an ongoing venture with some results out within a year or so. 

PRESS RELEASE

Scania accelerates the creation of high-value products and jobs through converting waste to wealth in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur, 17th of November, 2015 – Scania Malaysia (Scania) and Agensi Inovasi Malaysia or Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM) are to collaborate in exploring viable commercial opportunities for biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia; in line with the National Biomass Strategy 2020 (NBS 2020).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between Scania represented by the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström, and AIM, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Rozario.

Witnessing the signing were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Y.B. Dato’ Mah Siew Keong and Sweden’s Minister for Strategic Development and Nordic Cooperation H.E. Mrs Kristina Persson; at the Sweden-Malaysia Innovation Day 2015 (SMID).

The MOU will see Scania and AIM conduct a feasibility study on the commercial opportunities of biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia. The study includes identification of possible project locations, price and market demand projections and economic and operational feasibility.

Biofuels help clean up the air and reduce the carbon footprint from transport. Biofuels turn waste into clean energy, increase security of fuel supply and improve local economies, help create local job opportunities and industrial development. These are in line with NBS 2020’s aim to develop new industries and high-value opportunities by utilising biomass for high value products. Malaysia aims to be at the forefront of the development of new biomass-based industries, ultimately contributing towards Malaysia’s GNI and high-value job creation.

Scania has the technology to catalyse this project as it has been one of the main contributors to the development and adaptation of biofuels, developing and producing commercial biofuel-based transport solutions for over 20 years in Sweden and in around the world.

“Long-term business success means delivering greater profitability along with efficiency, CO2 reductions and social and ethical responsibility. Scania is proud to take the lead in the shift towards a sustainable transport system,” said Marie. “This means integrating sustainability fully into businesses and working with AIM to transform Malaysia towards creating lasting value.”

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Some tidbits and news on upcoming reviews on a Truck vs a Bus, a Volkswagen Passat and a Jaguar XJ L

As usual I've been busy. Busy with life. I have also decided to clean up my personal Facebook page of all unwanted and negative clutter. Clutter has been mostly political and anyone who irritates the heck out of me. My Facebook feed is now very positive and I only see what I want to see. Clutter and deadweight holds you back. If you want to achieve more in most things you gotta get rid of it. Life is so much  better without idiots. 

Most of you would also realise that I am bilingual. I speak and write fluently (or decently well) in English and the Malay language. I also know how to swear and curse in umpteen more languages too. Being bilingual is a good thing, but one of the languages must be English if you want to spread your wings globally. I started writing in English because I wanted a broader audience instead of using my mother tongue. I also had the privilege to write for publications elsewhere aside from Malaysia. One of the great things about the knowledge to converse in English and the internet is that it opened up an avenue and a platform for me to share my thoughts to others through a channel that is easily accessible most of the time. And since English is the most widely used medium in most continents (Mandarin could be the most used language but it isn't used on all continents globally), it is the way to go. Look where English has gotten me. I get to drive nice vehicles most of the time.

Speaking of vehicles, upcoming reviews and articles will include:

A comparison between a bus and a truck - which is actually more pleasurable to drive

This is me driving a Scania prime mover truck at the Sepang F1 Circuit....

...this is the Scania Marcopolo bus that I drove right after the truck. So which is actually more fun to actually punt around at about 80-90kmh?

A review on the Volkswagen Passat B7 - still on sale in Malaysia till the new one arrives. Is it still a worthy drive? Expect this soon folks. (I just need to start putting the words together for this first).

A review of the M.I.6 Director's car - The Jaguar XJ L 2.0 - The (longer) Drive Experience. This is because I did have a go in one earlier but that was a short spin. This would be up sometime next week, in lieu of the latest James Bond movie, Spectre. Why? Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are used extensively in that film as well as the previous one, Skyfall. What better way to celebrate a Bond movie by driving something that was heavily featured in one?

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Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific FuelWatch Challenge 2015 - Mr Nor Rahmat (Malaysian Champion), Prifaria Sdn Bhd & the Malaysian Press Release

Ms. Marriott about to drive...and win the Asia Pacific FuelWatch Challenge 2015

The Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 was held in Hua Hin, Thailand from 15th to 18th September recently. Following an inspiring performance, Ms. Louise Marriott from New Zealand was announced the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category. Ms. Marriott became the first female driver in the competition’s history to achieve a podium finish at the event, joining Mr. Ravi Poleboina from India who was awarded the most fuel-efficient driver in the off-road segment. In addition to being the first female driver, Ms. Marriott was also the first representative from New Zealand to attain the top prize at the Fuelwatch Challenge. I wrote about this earlier if you have been following this website. However, the Volvo Trucks Malaysia press release is posted below right after this article -  it differs from the one published earlier. 

Malaysia’s very own champion, Mr. Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib (above), a driver with logistics company Prifaria Sdn Bhd was one of the 17 top drivers from the Asia Pacific region who took part. I thought I'd share you readers a bit about someone who is actually like one of us, a Malaysian, and one who rose to the occasion. 

The Volvo Trucks Malaysia's’ annual Fuelwatch Challenge was held as a training and competition for truck drivers and it offers a treasure trove of skills and information, equipping truckers with the ability to churn out the best fuel consumption possible for their vehicles.The qualifying round of roadshows across various cities and towns in Malaysia kicked off earlier in April of 2015 This was the sixth instalment of this annual competition, and this year’s challenge saw an overwhelming participation of over 1,000 drivers – an increase from last year’s participation of 800 drivers. Mr Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib, from Prifaria Sdn Bhd, Prai, basically defeated them all. He also beat 17 other semi-finalists who were all vying to become Malaysia’s most fuel-efficient truck driver. 

He recorded the highest overall accumulated score based on theoretical tests during the preliminary rounds, Mr Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib was one of the 18 truck drivers to push through to the semi-finals and finals – where contestants needed to battle it out in a real time driving challenge covering a 45km distance. During the real time fuel efficiency test, Mr Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib achieved the lowest fuel consumption, clocking 2.83 kilometres with just one litre of fuel while carrying a load of 20 tonne in the Volvo FM 440 with i-shift technology. In winning, he booked a spot at the regional finals that would be held at Hua Hin.

Now I suppose this was the easy part. Travelling to another country to compete with the best in the region is another matter. This time the Asia Pacific finals was to be held at Keang Krachan Circuit (above - a nice, tight circuit) and the surrounding areas in Hua Hin, Thailand on the 15th to the 18th of September 2015. He would be going up against the best of the Asia Pacific region. 

The Malaysian 'contingent' consisted of Mr Nor Rahmat, Prifaria's Assistant Head of Division Mr Wan Ahmad Farhan Wan Ahmad Azmi, a handful of Malaysian journalists and staff of Volvo Malaysia. Most of us were based in the Klang Valley but Mr Nor Rahmat was still working on Sunday evening, delivery a cargo of fuel somewhere in Penang. He had to be up and about by 4.00am on Monday to catch the early morning flight to KLIA2 so that he could catch the 110pm flight which we were scheduled to take to Bangkok. I heard he could not sleep much that night. It must have been the excitement. Anyway, the flight to Bangkok was delayed for over an hour before we finally left meant that we actually reached Hua Hin, by nightfall. Hua Hin is about 199km from Bangkok and took us around three hours by a Volvo coach (obviously) to get there. So day 1 was a whole lot of travel for Mr Nor Rahmat. And for all of us too.

Drawing lots to see who drives first...

At least on Tuesday he managed to get some rest. The Hilton Hotel where all the competitors stayed was very accommodating. Participants started to check in on Tuesday and the hotel was starting to be filled with Volvo truckers, Volvo Trucks staff and also journalists from around the Asia Pacific region. Now hopefully the plan by Volvo Trucks Malaysia to fly in our champion a day early can get him rested for the finals that would be held on Thursday, 18th September. 

On Wednesday, we had some recreational activities to ease the mind of the competitors. They were treated to some outdoor activities like paintball target shooting, archery and ATV riding. Of course, the most important was the time allocated for them at the Keang Krachan Circuit (about one and a half hours away from Hua Hin) to familiarise themselves with the truck that would be used for the competition. 

The truck that was used was a Volvo FH440 complete with a tanker carrying 20 tons of water. This differs very slightly from the FM440 that Mr Nor Rahmat was familiar with and the one used in the Malaysian leg of the Fuelwatch Challenge. Similar horsepower, but with a higher placed driver's cabin for better visibility (and to some extent, a more comfortable cabin for long distance travel). It basically needs an extra step up compared ot the FM models. Anyway, the competitors got a few laps to familiarise themselves with the rig. Mr Nor Rahmat actually liked driving the Volvo FH. It was easy and it felt like driving a car (it goes to show how much technology has made truck driving less of a chore these days).

Thursday was the day of reckoning. Unfortunately, the slightly packed schedule over the past few days had taken its toll on Mr Nor Rahmat. Bad luck as he caught a cold and had to take some medication. Determination made him carry on and once loaded up with medication, he competed that day. Even smiling to the cameras pointed at him. 

It was a big day for him regardless of the outcome. I could see he gave all he got and saw a portrait of pride in what he did as he stepped down from the truck. He actually competed right after Asia Pacific champion Ms. Louise Marriott. I suppose it could have been the gentle touch of a woman that enabled Louise to clinch the title. But no regrets from our Malaysian champion. He had given all he had that day and basically learnt a fair bit from the other competitors here at the regional finals. It was not only driving smoothly, but achieving a high average speed too. The best drivers that day had a higher average speed aside from maximising fuel consumption. Something that he will put some effort into the next time he is allowed to compete in a Fuelwatch Challenge again (after at least two years). 

He also noted that the drivers from Australia have technical skills that enable them to actually make on the spot repairs if they were stuck in remote places. He does note that Volvo Trucks has already been providing technical training to drivers through the company’s Driver Development Programme but he hopes that the overall trucking industry in Malaysia will also follow suit for the benefit of a larger crowd of drivers. He was also inspired by the champion Ms. Marriot and hopes that Malaysia too can one day have female truck drivers participating in the Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge.

On Friday, it was travelling day again. We met at the hotel lobby early in the morning, boarded to coach for Bangkok for a late afternoon flight back to KLIA2. After touchdown, we said our goodbyes, Mr Nor Rahmat was to catch the 730 flight back to Penang where his work awaits him. The event would leave him with unforgettable memories. 

I have to give a big hand to the management of Prifaria Sdn Bhd, a transporter for most of the petroleum companies in Malaysia. They have their head office in Kuala Terengganu and have offices peninsular-wide. Mr Nor Rahmat is based in Prai but travels throughout Peninsular Malaysia transporting the precious petrol and diesel we use for our road transport. They have a strong belief that driver training can benefit them in terms of fuel usage efficiency, road safety, driver discipline and other holistic transportation principles. In fact, as early as 2011, Prifaria had been sending their drivers to compete in the Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenges. 

I can't wait for the next time Volvo Trucks let me cover the Fuelwatch Challenge. Why? It gets me closer to the people who are the backbone of the nation. It allows me to remember that these are people too instead of just mere transporters. 

Press Release

History made! – first female truck driver wins at the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015  

• New Zealand’s Ms. Louise Marriott became the first female driver and New Zealander to be named Asia Pacific’s most fuel-efficient driver
• Mr. Ravi Poleboina from India emerged as this year’s most fuel-efficient driver in the off-road category
• Malaysia’s very own champion, Mr. Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib, a driver with logistics company Prifaria Sdn Bhd was one of the 17 top drivers who took part
• Fuel-efficiency margins clocked by the winners of the on-road and off-road categories would result in significant cost savings in a real-world context

[22 SEPTEMBER 2015, MALAYSIA] Volvo Trucks, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, saw a record-setting Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015, held in Hua Hin, Thailand from 15th to 18th September recently. Following an inspiring performance at the grand final, Ms. Louise Marriott from New Zealand was announced the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category.

Ms. Marriott became the first female driver in the competition’s illustrious history to achieve a podium finish at the event, joining Mr. Ravi Poleboina from India who was awarded the most fuel-efficient driver in the off-road segment. In addition to being the first female driver, Ms. Marriott was also the first representative from New Zealand to attain the top prize at the Fuelwatch Challenge.  

The competition, recognised as an annual mainstay event in the industry, embodies the company’s Fuelwatch mission towards a fuel-efficient industry model. During the event, participants attended a one-day training session on fuel-efficient driving techniques and technical expertise, followed by the Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge grand finals on the second day.

Encouraging inclusive growth

The Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge kicked-off its local editions in Asia Pacific earlier this year, and saw 17 top drivers qualify to contest for the title of the region’s most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road and off-road categories at the Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015.

This included four women, representing the expanding number of female drivers within the Fuelwatch community and the industry-at-large.

Expressing her elation over the record-setting performance, Ms Marriott said: “I’m absolutely pleased to be this year’s most fuel-efficient driver and to be the first contestant to bring the trophy home to New Zealand. While our industry is often thought of as being male dominated, the Fuelwatch Challenge has been a great platform for us to show that all drivers, regardless of gender, can perform at the highest level while being fuel-efficient. I look forward to sharing the experience at Fuelwatch with my colleagues back home.”

Malaysia’s very own champion, Mr Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib, a driver with logistics company Prifaria Sdn Bhd was one of the elite group of 17 top drivers who took part in the final. Although he did not bring back the trophy, nonetheless he is already a winner to Malaysia. He commented that the final challenge gave him an invaluable experience, as he echoed Ms Marriot’s sentiment about the competition.

“First of all, I was already so delighted that I was the winner, among 1,100 truck drivers who took part in the local challenge, to represent Malaysia at this final challenge. Participating in the challenge in Hua Hin certainly gave me an international exposure and boosted my confidence and skills as a truck driver!” said Mr Nor Rahmat.

He also said: “I had the opportunity to learn about and drive the Volvo FH model which is not available in Malaysia currently. It is such a robust yet smooth machine. I felt like I was driving a car! It’s that easy to drive! Overall, Fuelwatch Challenge has really taught me a great deal about defensive driving and combining it with a good knowledge of your truck so that fuel efficiency truly becomes a real benefit when you apply everything that you’ve learned.”

Mr Nor Rahmat also shared that he had the opportunity to talk to and exchange driving experiences with drivers from other countries, and what he learnt was that truck drivers in Australia are equipped with a lot of technical knowledge, and not just on driving skills. He said this knowledge will come in very handy in times of minor breakdown while on the road. While he acknowledges that Volvo Trucks has already been providing technical trainings to drivers through the company’s Driver Development Programme, he hopes that the overall trucking industry in Malaysia will also follow suit for the benefit of a larger crowd of drivers. And most certainly, he was inspired by Ms. Marriot and hopes that Malaysia too can one day have female truck drivers participating in the Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge.

Fuelling positive change   

To win the title of the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category at this year’s Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge, Ms. Marriott clocked 17.5% less fuel compared to the highest amount of fuel burnt at the event.

In the off-road category, Mr. Poleboina clinched the top prize with a notable achievement of 12.5% less fuel consumption relative to fellow contestants.

Within the industry, fuel can account to up to 50% of the operating costs of a typical haulage business. Based on the fuel-efficiency margins recorded in the on-road and off-road finals, this would inarguably translate into significant cost savings potential in a real-world context.

Congratulating Ms. Marriott and Mr. Poleboina on their achievements, Christophe Martin, President of Volvo Trucks in Asia Oceania added: “I am delighted and proud to witness history made at this year’s Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015, with the first female driver joining the ranks of past Fuelwatch winners. Louise’s achievements will no doubt encourage aspiring female drivers, which will benefit the industry as a whole.”

Mr Martin further commented: “We at Volvo Trucks are firmly committed to the Fuelwatch mission of optimising performance at minimum cost to businesses, society and the environment. Since our inaugural event in 2007, the more than 15,000 participants of the Fuelwatch Challenge have become ambassadors of the Fuelwatch community, sharing the skills and technical knowledge that they have picked up at the event to catalyse our goal of a fuel-efficient industry. Together with them, we look forward to championing the Fuelwatch mission for the industry and the society”.

Volvo FMX for the Off-Road Challenge

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History made at the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 - A Motoring-Malaysia Report

I was over in Hua Hin, in Thailand to witness some history being made in the Asia Pacific trucking scene. The Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 saw Ms. Louise Marriott became the first female driver and New Zealander to be named Asia Pacific’s most fuel-efficient driver. This was the first time Volvo Trucks has included women participation, four women, representing the expanding number of female drivers within the Fuelwatch community and the industry-at-large. 

The Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge kicked-off its local/country editions in Asia Pacific earlier this year, and saw 17 top drivers qualify to contest for the title of the region’s most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road and off-road categories at the Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015. This included four women, representing the expanding number of female drivers within the Fuelwatch community and the industry-at-large.

To win the title of the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category at this year’s Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge, Ms. Marriott clocked 17.5% less fuel compared to the highest amount of fuel burnt at the event. 

Now aside from the on-road challenge, there was an off-road challenge too, this was won by Mr Ravi Poleboina of India (pictured above). He clinched the top prize with a notable achievement of 12.5% less fuel consumption relative to fellow contestants.

The Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge is something intriguing and technical. It was held this year at the Kaeng Krachan circuit close to Hua Hin. Participants must navigate a Volvo FH 440 Prime Mover with a tanker trailer (filled with at least 20 tons of water) through the tight and undulating 3 over kilometer circuit as economically as possible but they cannot be too slow. They must do three laps of the circuit, reach a maximum speed of 60km/h on the straight (and not more than that) and complete the whole three laps in under 13 minutes. And they have to beat 16 other contestants to win. And then, the top three finalists would have to duke it out on the actual roads outside the circuit. Not as straightforward as you think.

The circuit...in not so many words is bloody beautiful to drive on

It is not as easy as you think as I did two laps on the circuit in the same truck (At the same time I wish I was blasting through this circuit in a Honda Civic Type R as it is fabulous!!!!!!). Whilst driving the rig was actually easy due to the fabulous technology fitted in the Volvo (I-shift gears, almost auto everything, good visibility and power), it is still the driver that is needed to ensure when you need to step on the accelerator, maintain a constant speed, coast  downhill like a pro and more management overall. To just step on the accelerator and go 'Powaahhhhhhhh' is easy, this driving economically stuff isn't a walk in a park.

I suppose this could be the reason why Ms Marriott won. A gentle touch for something so big could be actually needed. If you also asked me why Mr Poleboina of India won, you should actually see the types of roads he traverses (super narrow roads carved into hills, mountains and ravines I presume). He could be a driving God. Who knows.

Now a bit about our Malaysian champion and representative. I have the utmost respect for Mr Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib from Prifaria Sdn Bhd (pictured above) . He was down with a cold and was not at all well when he competed. But the dedication in him was commendable. He was loaded up with medicine and competed anyway. From what I heard, he did not do too bad. A champion in my books.

So history has been made. The first female champion of the Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge has been crowned. She would make her was to the world championships in Gothenburg sometime next year.

On a separate (and on a very self praising note), Malaysia did not come home empty handed. Yours Truly, the chap who runs this website, actually won something for Malaysia - Most Active Journalist beating journalists from 10 other countries in the Asia Pacific region. How the heck I managed that is a mystery actually (they provided us with a FitBit activity tracker each for this). Maybe it was from all the walking during the event and the shopping during all the free time as well as repeated trips to the local tailor to get the safari jacket below done. But didn't I do Malaysia proud? Of course I did.

Press Release (and more pics down below)

History made at the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015

• New Zealand’s Ms. Louise Marriott became the first female driver and New Zealander to be named Asia Pacific’s most fuel-efficient driver
• Mr. Ravi Poleboina from India emerged as this year’s most fuel-efficient driver in the off-road category
• Fuel-efficiency margins clocked by the winners of the on-road and off-road categories would result in significant cost savings in a real-world context

[18 SEPTEMBER 2015, SINGAPORE]Volvo Trucks, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, saw a record-setting Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 yesterday. Following an inspiring performance at the grand final in the Thai city of Hua Hin, Louise Marriott from New Zealand was announced the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category.

Ms. Marriott became the first female driver in the competition’s illustrious history to achieve a podium finish at the event, joining Ravi Poleboina from India who was awarded the most fuel-efficient driver in the off-road segment. In addition to being the first female driver, Ms. Marriott was also the first representative from New Zealand to attain the top prize at the Fuelwatch Challenge.

The competition, recognised as an annual mainstay event in the industry, embodies the company’s Fuelwatch mission towards a fuel-efficient industry model. During the event, participants attended a one-day training session on fuel-efficient driving techniques and technical expertise, followed by the Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge grand finals on the second day.

Encouraging inclusive growth

This Volvo FMX was used for the Off-Road Challenge

The Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge kicked-off its local editions in Asia Pacific earlier this year, and saw 17 top drivers qualify to contest for the title of the region’s most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road and off-road categories at the Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015. This included four women, representing the expanding number of female drivers within the Fuelwatch community and the industry-at-large.

Expressing her elation over the record-setting performance, Ms Marriott said: “I’m absolutely pleased to be this year’s most fuel-efficient driver and to be the first contestant to bring the trophy home to New Zealand. While our industry is often thought of as being male dominated, the Fuelwatch Challenge has been a great platform for us to show that all drivers, regardlessof gender, can perform at the highest level while being fuel-efficient. I look forward to sharing the experience at Fuelwatch with my colleagues back home.”

Fuelling positive change

The three on-road finalists

To win the title of the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category at this year’s Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge, Ms. Marriott clocked 17.5% less fuel compared to the highest amount of fuel burnt at the event.

In the off-road category, Mr. Poleboina clinched the top prize with a notable achievement of 12.5% less fuel consumption relative to fellow contestants.

Within the industry, fuel can account to up to 50% of the operating costs of a typical haulage business. Based on the fuel-efficiency margins recorded in the on-road and off-road finals, this would inarguably translate into significant cost savings potential in a real-world context.

Congratulating Ms. Marriott and Mr. Poleboina on their achievements, Christophe Martin, President of Volvo Trucks in Asia Oceania added: “I am delighted and proud to witness history made at this year’s Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015, with the first female driver joining the ranks of past Fuelwatch winners. Louise’s achievements will no doubt encourage aspiring female drivers, which will benefit the industry as a whole.”

Mr Martin further commented: “We at Volvo Trucks are firmly committed to the Fuelwatch mission of optimising performance at minimum cost to businesses, society and the environment. Since our inaugural event in 2007, the more than 15,000 participants of the Fuelwatch Challenge have become ambassadors of the Fuelwatch community, sharing the skills and technical knowledge that they have picked up at the event to catalyse our goal of a fuel-efficient industry. Together with them, we look forward to championing the Fuelwatch mission for the industry and the society”. 

Tips for all

National champions 2015

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