The latest challenge concluded recently with the crowning of truck driver Mohamad Hanif Md Nor from ASAC Logistic Sdn Bhd as this year’s Malaysian champion.
He beat nine other finalists in the final leg of the competition held in TCIE branch in Ipoh, Perak.
Mohamad Hanif.
The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge (UDEMC) is carried out as a friendly skills-based competition which simulates three relevant transport cycles, whereby drivers compete by taking part in both classroom and field tests ranging from vehicle pre-drive inspection, fuel efficient and safe driving, and maneuvering and parking skills.
UD Trucks Malaysia managing director Steve Hedouin said UDEMC is more than just a competition for truck drivers.
“This competition, which first started in 2016,is devised as a platform to help enhance the linkage between drivers’ skills with business reality, by increasing their competency, knowledge and handling capability of the heavy-duty UD Quester.”
“UD Trucks’ vision is to build trucks and services that provide greater solutions for smart logistics which the world needs today. Our company combinesthe proud heritage of Japanese craftsmanship, cutting-edge trucking technology and the “Gemba” spirit which is inherent in the UD work philosophy.”
“In Japanese, 'Gemba' means creating value at the actual place and the UDEMC symbolises the extension of this spirit which we would like all UD Quester truck drivers to embrace, by inspiring and encouraging them to do a great job and be skilled drivers, creating value for the entiresmart logistics process,” said Hedouin.
As the best UDEMC driver from this market, Mohamad Hanif has qualified for the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge Global Final to be held in October at the UD Experience Center in Ageo, Japan, where finalists from various countries will convene to compete for the global championship and coveted title of UD Trucks’ Ultimate Driver.
In addition to winning the overall champion title, Mohamad Hanif who has been a truck driver for seven years, also bagged the “Best Pre-Drive Inspection” category title.
Meanwhile, two other sub-categories in the UDEMC are “Best Driving Skills” which was won by Mohammad Aripuddin Bin Dahlanfrom Naza Transport Sdn Bhd and “Best Fuel Efficiency” which was won by Simon Joshua A/L Chandra Sakaranfrom Syarikat Jasa Selamat Sdn Bhd.
All winners were each presented with a trophy and UD Quester truck scale model.
In addition, the champion's company ASAC Logistic received a Quester service voucher worth RM2,388 and exclusive driver training, while the sub-category winning companies received a Quester service voucher worth RM588.
Mohamad Hanif said he was happy to have won the UDEMC and looking forward to represent Malaysia in the global finals in Japan.
“I’ll perform my best in Japan and hope to bring back the global trophy,” he said.
TCIE executive director Say Teck Ming said UDEMC meant a lot to its customers and their drivers.
“After three consecutive years of absence due to the pandemic situation, we know that many of them were very excited that this competition is back this year,” he said.
