18% higher fuel efficiency achieved at Volvo Trucks India Fuel Watch 2014

Volvo Trucks India Fuel Watch 2014 reemphasizes the importance of the best driving practices to improve fuel efficiency in mining operations.

Mr. R Satyanarayana driver from BGR Mining & Infra Pvt Ltd. emerged as the winner of the India Fuel Watch 2014 Competition.

June 13, 2013: Volvo Trucks India FuelWatch 2014, the 5th edition of the competition was held at a coal mining site in Managuru, near Kothagudem, Telangana recently. 24 Best Drivers from key Volvo tipper customers operating in mining segment across the country participated in the annual fuel efficiency competition, selected through rigorous qualification process.

Volvo Trucks Fuel watch competition is part of Volvo Trucks efforts to educate drivers, fleet managers, customers and other stakeholders on the importance of the good driving practices to improve fuel efficiency, reduce cost and increase profitability. Fuel efficiency is the most critical aspect of profitability in mining transport and Volvo Trucks is committed to improve customer’s overall profitability from its vehicles, while encouraging safe driving practices and environmental care through reduction in emissions. The competition highlights the importance of good, safe driving practices and promotes thorough understanding of the latest technologies of high performance tippers, to achieve the best man and machine performance. Fuel watch competition promotes both economic and environmental advantages of the good driving practices and brings out a positive spirit among Volvo tipper drivers.

“Fuel efficiency and vehicle productivity are critical aspects of truck mining operations. We are the undisputed leader in this market, thanks to our world class technology and our focus on the combined performance of man and machine together.”said Mr. Philippe Divry Sr. Vice President AB Volvo & VECV Board member. He further said “Volvo Trucks is the first CV manufacturer to set up a Driver Training Center in India to make good drivers better in demanding applications”

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.”

Mr. R Satyanarayana from BGR Mining & Infra Pvt. Ltd. was adjudged the winner, followed by Mr. J Sampath Raju from SV Engineering Constructions who was adjudged the 1st Runner-up and Mr. Sudharshan Dhal from Montecarlo Limited was adjudged the 2nd Runner-up. The competition is the ultimate test for Volvo Tipper drivers to bring out the best in driving practices under tough off-road conditions and achieve highest fuel efficiency. The winning driver achieved a remarkable 18% higher fuel efficiency compared to the driver with lowest fuel efficiency in the competition.

On successful completion of the India FuelWatch 2014, Mr. A S Ramarao, Sr. VP Sales, Marketing & Aftermarket – Volvo Trucks said, “Volvo Trucks India FuelWatch competition is the first of its kind, and shows Volvo Trucks strong commitment as a leader in fuel efficiency and environmental care. The competitions are just as much about learning as winning, and hopefully everyone who took part now knows how to operate their vehicles more efficiently. This is a fantastic training event that we at Volvo Trucks are determined to continue year on year. ” He further added “Our Fuel Watch initiative helps our customers to get the very best in fuel efficiency.

The competition was conducted by Volvo Trucks Driver Training Centre following global standards and practices laid down by Volvo Trucks, giving each driver identical conditions and opportunity on a carefully selected route in a coal mine. Our trucks have electronic management system that records the trip data including fuel consumption. Before starting of each trip the trip meter is reset and at the end of the trip the data is downloaded thru trip manager software, thus the information is taken from the truck itself. There is no manual intervention in recording the readings leading to any possible human errors. The whole process is very transparent and well explained to all participants prior to beginning of the contest.

The Volvo Driver Training Centre has so for trained over 50,000 drivers and it helps the drivers understand the latest truck technology, its proper use, safe driving practices and ways of achieving better fuel efficiency.

About Volvo Trucks India

Volvo Trucks product range in India includes the FM & FMX range of Tippers & FM Rigid Trucks for special application e.g. Fire Tenders, Sky lifts, Boom Pumps, Concrete Mixers and the FM/FH range of Tractors in different configurations. Volvo FM Tractor series has applications in express cargo, petroleum & chemicals, bulk cargo, construction and even special cargo. The FH series is used in long-haulage ODC (over-dimension cargo) transport applications. Today, Volvo Trucks enjoys over 60 percent of the premium European heavy duty market share in India.

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