Australia's representative for the Extra Mile Challenge

Chris Knijff from Container Swinglift Services is all set to represent Australia at the UD Trucks Global Extra Mile Challenge Final in Japan.

The UD Extra Mile Challenge is UD Trucks’ global driver competition. It uniquely simulates a transport cycle – pre-inspection, fuel-efficient and safety driving, parking skills – linking driver skill to business reality. There are local competitions in key UD markets around the world, and the winners compete in the global finals in Japan for the title of ULTIMATE DRIVER.

Over the last 3 months, local dealerships have been hosting “Test Drive Days” giving customers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the New Quon and enter to win a chance to partake in the Extra Mile Challenge. After winning the local competition, Chris Knijff from Container Swinglift Services is this year’s Australian representative. Hosted by VCV Brisbane, the team is off to Tokyo, Japan for 3 nights to participate in this year’s grand finale. Mr. Knijff will be coached by a UD Trucks Driver Trainer in the lead up to the competition.

The New Quon has taken to the Australian market extremely well; all those that participated in the test drive programme were impressed with the safety and logistic capabilities of the truck. However, even with the best truck and the latest in technology, it is the driver that is the unsung hero at the heart of safety and smart logistics. Ultimately, drivers keep Australia moving and the UD Extra Mile Challenge is an opportunity to recognise these skilled drivers. Based on real world situations the challenge aims to put these exceptional driving skills to the ultimate test.

“The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is a competition to demonstrate how customers can make the most out of UD Trucks and the available technology, it also highlights just how important driver training is” says Mark Strambi, Vice President of UD Trucks Australia. Through the UD Extra Mile Challenge, customers can learn key strategies on balancing fuel-efficient driving, minimising downtime and utilising UD Truck’s logistic systems.

The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge will be held on the 25th October, Japan. We wish Chris Knijff all the best for the big day, and are looking forward to seeing these skilled drivers in action.