The Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Competition South China Semi-final Concludes

Winner of the East China semi-final, Yang Ronghai of Wuxi Xunjie Logistics, set to begin the road contest in a Euro IV engine truck

The 2012 Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Competition consists of three parts: a written exam, practical operation and fuel consumption results. According to event data, the fuel consumption of the South China competition ranges between 24.25 and 29.1 liters per hundred kilometers. In such a top level fuel-saving competition, the first place contestant saved 16.7% more per hundred kilometers in fuel costs than did the contestant placing in last place. 

According to contestants in the East China semi-final, their monthly fuel consumption are between 29 and 33 liters per hundred kilometers, representing savings of 15-22.5% of fuel consumption as compared with the 40 liters consumed before they began operating Volvo Trucks and attending the company’s safety and fuel-saving trainings. It means a company will save RMB 9,840 to 14,760 worth of fuel costs per month if a truck runs 20,000 kilometers monthly and the price of diesel is valued at RMB 8.2 per liter.  

Cheering for the upcoming competition

A driver from Wuxi Xunjie Logistics said, “my driving skill has improved in predicting road conditations since I began driving Volvo Trucks and attending the Volvo Trucks’ driver trainings. As a result, my driving has become safer, and less fuel is comsumed. Unnecessary braking shall be avoided. While driving other trucksfrom Wuxi to Shenyang, my fuel tank was empty by the time I arrived in Shanhaiguan. However, I am now able to save about 300 liters on the same route.”

 

The competition truck - Volvo Ocean Race Limited Edition on the road in Wuxi

 

Volvo Trucks statistics show that driving behavior is relevant to impacts on fuel consumption by 20% and that poor driving skills can cause a 50% increase in fuel consumption.  Aimed at improving drivers’ skills, enhancing the efficiency and profitability of Chinese logistics companies, and implementing the company’s commitments to creating a cleaner road environment with its customers, Volvo Trucks has organized the Fuelwatch Competition in China for four consecutive years.
 
The Volvo Trucks Dynafleet System records driving data of each Volvo Truck and analyze it in order to provide feedback to the fleet manger and drivers to help them improve their driving skills and behaviors. When necessary, Volvo Trucks trainers will escort drivers to provide hands-on guidance.
 
In contrast to previous years, this year’s Fuelwatch Competition includes Open Driver Training sessions that are also open to non-Volvo Trucks drivers. The trainings introduce factors that influence fuel-consumption and knowledge and skills on safety and fuel-saving driving.   Additionally, any individual can share his or her experiences relevance to fuel-saving in 360che.com to win the the title of Volvo Trucks ”Fuelwatch Ambassador,” and will be awarded a trip to Sweden to visit the global final of The 2012 Volvo Truck Fuelwatch Competition together with the champion of the China competition.