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.

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)