Volvo Trucks’ Global Drivers’ Fuel Challenge 2014: Skilled drivers can cut fuel consumption by up to 10 percent

By small means, truck drivers can make a big difference to fuel consumption and save money for their haulage company. This was demonstrated by Christian Scheiflinger from Austria who, thanks to a well-planned driving, took victory in the world finals in Volvo Trucks' Global Drivers’ Fuel Challenge 2014, held last Friday in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Volvo Trucks’ Drivers’ Fuel Challenge, which has been held since 2009, tasks drivers from all over the world to drive fuel-efficiently in four different categories: driving and braking, use of engine and gearbox, time and traffic regulations and fuel consumption.

“All the 23 finalists possess great skills. You have to adapt to traffic and know how to use the enormous power of a fully-loaded truck in motion. The difference is that a knowledgeable driver knows how they should use their truck’s weight to their advantage,” says Andrew Low, Driver Development Manager at Volvo Trucks and the man responsible for The Drivers’ Fuel Challenge competition track.

For an average-sized haulage company, fuel costs account for just over one-third of spending. Volvo Trucks’ own figures show that a fuel-efficient driver can save up to ten per cent in reduced fuel consumption, which in the long run means big savings for a trucking company and could ultimately reduce carbon emissions in the EU by up to 20 million tonnes per year.

For Christian Scheiflinger from Austria, who won the title ‘World’s most fuel efficient driver’ in Volvo Trucks' Global Drivers’ Fuel Challenge Final last Friday, fuel-efficient driving has almost become something of a sport.

“It’s very important to know the system; you have to know how the vehicle reacts on your input. If you have the full understanding of the vehicle, what it’s doing and how it reacts, you can improve your driving and improve the fuel efficiency,” says Christian Scheiflinger.

The Global Drivers’ Fuel Challenge Final, which took place in Gothenburg on September 19, is one of many ways in which Volvo Trucks is highlighting just how much difference the driver can actually make.

Runner-up was Tomi Roimola from Finland with Aare Müil from Estonia taking third place. British interest rested with Tommy Walton who drives for Containerships UK (Ltd) out of Teesport, who won the UK final, but unfortunately finished the day just outside the top ten.

“It’s about creating an awareness of how much difference each individual driver can actually make. The Global Drivers’ Fuel Challenge is one way for us to contribute to this. Fuel-efficient driving is something that all drivers can learn, but it takes time and hard work every day,” says Arne Knaben, managing director for Volvo Trucks in the UK and Ireland.

FUEL-EFFICIENT DRIVING IN THREE STEPS
Adapt to traffic

In fuel-efficient driving, the driver needs to learn to read and adapt to the traffic situation. One must drive as smoothly and evenly as possible – all the time.

Stay ahead

The driver must always be prepared for unexpected events – the car in front can brake or a bike can emerge from around the next corner. A fuel-efficient driver is a driver who is attentive and who constantly stays one step ahead of other traffic users.

Get to know your truck

To get the maximum out of a truck you have to know it and all its functions as well as possible. Good knowledge of how your truck works and about what kind of driving is required in different situations is a huge step towards reducing fuel consumption.

Photograph: Twenty-three regional winners contested Volvo Trucks' Global Drivers’ Fuel Challenge Final 2014, held on September 19 in Gothenburg, Sweden