UD Trucks holds UD Extra Mile Challenge 2024 global final
Truck drivers from around the world put their skills to the test in Ageo, Saitama
Press Release
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October 28, 2024
On October 23 and October 25, UD Trucks Corporation (Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture; hereinafter referred as UD Trucks) held the UD Extra Mile Challenge 2024 global final, a driving skills competition for truck drivers representing 11 countries. The two-day event took place at the UD Experience Center in Ageo, Japan.
This competition, which started in 2014, was held for the sixth time. The number of participants has increased with each event, and this year 11 finalist were selected among 400 drivers in regional qualifying rounds. In the Quon category finals on the October 23, there were four drivers representing Japan, Australia, Singapore, and Mauritius. In the Quester category finals on October25, seven drivers representing Indonesia, Qatar, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Africa took part. The winner of each category is crowned the ‘Ultimate Driver’.
Quon final
Participating countries: Australia, Singapore, Japan, Mauritius
Quester final
Participating countries: Indonesia, Qatar, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Africa
Competitors were evaluated on their skills in three key areas: pre-drive inspection, fuel efficient and safe driving, maneuvering and parking skills. After a hard-fought competition, Australia won the Quon category, and Indonesia won the Quester category.
Quon Winner:
Matt Modra from MA&RC Modra, Australia
“Not only was it rewarding to qualify for the UD Extra Mile Challenge global final in Japan, but going on to win the competition for Australia was a real honor.
Experiencing the world of UD Trucks in Ageo was very special. As an owner and operator of a UD Quon, I was fascinated to learn about UD’s rich history and operations in Japan and to meet the faces behind the brand.
The day you stop learning is the day you get left behind. By being a part of this competition, I’ve learned more than I could have imagined and have met some fantastic people along the way.”
Quester Division Winner: Taufiqul Ulum
PT Cakraindo Co., Ltd., Indonesia
“I am grateful to my family for their continuous support. I tried to do my best and to keep calm during the competition. I dedicate this achievement to my wife who will give birth to our first son.”
Reflecting on the competition, UD Trucks Senior Vice President, Shinya Hasegawa, said,
“Logistics is essential to keeping our society running, and truck drivers play the most important role in that. The UD Extra Mile Challenge puts the skills of the very best drivers to the test. We are honored to host them at the global final."
The UD Extra Mile Challenge demonstrates the company’s commitment to driver education and motivation, while shining the light on the truck drivers themselves. It serves as a symbol for UD Trucks and how the company is going the extra mile to provide the trucks and services that the world needs today, and tomorrow.
UD Extra Mile Challenge 2024 results
Quon Final
Overall Champion: Matt Modra from MA&RC Modra (Australia)
Pre-inspection Award: Akira Chiba from Kamei Logistics Service (Japan)
Driving Skills Award: Akira Chiba from Kamei Logistics Service (Japan)
Fuel Efficiency Award: Sihib Garda Sahid from Serveng (Mauritius)
Quester Final
Overall Champion: Taufiqul Ulum from PT Cakraindo (Indonesia)
Pre-inspection Award: Mohammad Amin Ismail from Naza Transport (Malaysia)
Driving Skills Award: Nguyen Minh Phat from Itl Corporation (Vietnam)
Fuel Efficiency Award: Taufiqul Ulum from PT Cakraindo (Indonesia)
