Volvo Trucks India FuelWatch 2014 re-emphasises the importance of the best driving practices to improve fuel efficiency in mining operations.

Volvo Trucks India FuelWatch 2014 competition is a part of Volvo Trucks? efforts to educate drivers, fleet managers, customers and other stakeholders on the importance of good driving practices such as improving fuel efficiency, reducing cost and increasing profitability. The competition highlights the importance of safe driving practices and promotes the latest technologies of high performance tippers to achieve the best man and machine performance. The competition promotes both economic and environmental advantages of the good driving practices and brings out a positive spirit among Volvo tipper drivers. 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.

R Satyanarayana of BGR Mining & Infra was adjudged the winner of the fifth edition of Volvo Trucks FuelWatch 2014 competition held at a coal mining site in Managuru, near Kothagudem, Telangana on 11-12 June 2014. 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. Satyanarayana achieved a remarkable 20 per cent higher fuel efficiency compared to the driver with lowest fuel efficiency in the competition. J Sampath Raju from SV Engineering Constructions was adjudged the first runner-up and Sudharshan Dhal from Montecarlo Ltd was adjudged the second runner-up.

Said Philippe Dirvy, Senior Vice President, AB Volvo & VECV Board member, ?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.?

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 metre is reset and at the end of the trip, the data is downloaded through 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.

?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,? said Vinod Aggarwal, CEO, VECV. He further added, ?Fuel saving is vital; both for cost saving and lowering environmental imat. Fuel savings means CO2 reduction, thus environment and economy go hand in hand.?

?FuelWatch initiative helps our customers to get the very best in fuel efficiency,? said AS Ramarao, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing & Aftermarket, Volvo Trucks. According to him, Volvo Trucks India FuelWatch competition is the first-of-its-kind in India, and shows Volvo Trucks? strong commitment as a leader in fuel efficiency and environmental care. The competition is just as much about learning as winning, and hopefully everyone who took part now know how to operate their vehicles more efficiency. This is a fantastic training event that we at Volvo Trucks are determined to continue year on year.?

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