UD has announce that an Australian transport operator has placed first on the global stage for Australia in the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge in Japan.
The company has revealed that Adelaide based owner operator Matt Modra, from MA and RC Modra, competed in and won the global final at the UD Trucks Experience Centre at Ageo in Japan, following his participation in the local Australian qualifying round.
UD says that over the course of four weeks Modra achieved the highest score across the performance criteria of power mode, manual mode, coasting and overall fuel efficiency, all of which were tracked remotely through UD Connect telematics.
The company says that its UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge, which was launched in 2015, is a skills-based driver competition that it says tests several key areas, while aiming to demonstrate how improvements in driver behaviour can translate to safer driving, improved fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear on vehicles.
UD says the competition aims to support its ‘Better Life purpose’, and it also seeks to recognise and celebrate the industry’s unsung truck driver heroes that keep nations moving.
“Not only was it rewarding to qualify for the Extra Mile Challenge Final in Japan, but going on to win the competition for Australia was a real honour,” said Modra.
“Experiencing the world of UD Trucks in Ageo was very special and as s an owner and operator of a UD Quon, it was interesting to understand UD’s history and operations in Japan and to meet the faces behind the brand.
“I’m a big believer in the idea that the day you stop learning is the day you get left behind, and by being a part of this competition I’ve learnt more than I could have imagined and have met some fantastic people along the way,” Modra added.
Modra reportedly excelled in the global final challenges, which included a round of vehicle pre-inspection, test track driving of a loaded Quon GK prime mover, where fuel consumption, speed, braking and safety criteria were assessed, as well as a reverse parking challenge.
Matt was expertly coached throughout the competition, by Volvo Group Australia’s key account handover and delivery manager, Patrick Ryan, who is also UD Trucks’ designated driver trainer.
