Fuel Watch: Volvo Trucks' Ingenious Contest to Promote Fuel Efficiency

The 5th edition of the Volvo Trucks India Fuel Watch was recently concluded at a coal mining site in Managuru, near Kothagudem, Telangana. This event is basically a competition where the best drivers from key Volvo tipper customers operating in mining segment across the country take part. The participants are selected through a rigorous qualification process. In this year's edition, 24 drivers were selected and the task was to achieve highest fuel efficiency under tough off-road conditions.

'Fuel Watch' is Volvo Trucks' global initiative, a part of the company's efforts to educate drivers, fleet managers, customers and other stakeholders about 'the importance of good driving practices to improve fuel efficiency, reduce cost and increase profitability'.

The competition was conducted by Volvo Trucks Driver Training Centre that ensured all the global standards and practices were followed, while giving each driver identical conditions and opportunity on a carefully selected route in a coal mine. The company says that all its trucks have electronic management systems that record trip data that includes fuel consumption. Before starting each trip, the trip meter is reset and the data is downloaded through a trip manager software at the end of the trip.

Mr R Satyanarayana from BGR Mining & Infra Pvt. Ltd emerged as the winner of the 2014 edition of the India Fuel Watch competition. Interestingly, the winning driver achieved an impressive 18% higher fuel efficiency compared to the driver with lowest fuel efficiency in the competition, proving how one's driving techniques help save fuel even under tough conditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Philippe Divry, Sr. Vice President, AB Volvo & VECV Board member, said, "Fuel efficiency and vehicle productivity are critical aspects of truck mining operations. It's Volvo's world class technology and focus on the combined performance of man and machine together that make Volvo Trucks leader in the market."

Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, CEO, VECV, said, "At Volvo Trucks, we give special emphasis to superior driving skills because it plays an important role in achieving better fuel efficiency and increased profitability." He further added, "Fuel reduction is vital, both for cost saving and lowering environmental impact. Fuel savings means CO2 reduction, thus environment and economy go hand in hand."