Appana Babu from city wins India Fuelwatch Challenge

After a series of regional competitions, Volvo Trucks concluded its India chapter of the Fuelwatch Challenge with Appana Babu from the emerging as the winner. 29 finalists from 29 different customers competed recently in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh. The final round of competition spanned over three days where finalists were judged based on their driving skills and fuel efficiency.

For the eighth consecutive year, Volvo Trucks, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, conducted the Fuelwatch Challenge India Finals recently. The competition is recognised as an annual mainstay event in the industry and embodies the company’s Fuelwatch mission towards a fuel-efficient industry model. After a series of national competitions across the region, 29 top contenders met for a decisive driving in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh.

The Fuelwatch Challenge India went on to emphasize that fuel-efficient driving takes a lot more than being able to drive from A to B. The driver has a big impact on the vehicle’s fuel economy, and to get the most out of the truck with the least possible fuel consumption, the driver needs to plan the journey and think ahead. The whole route has to be strategised and he needs to know when to speed up, when to slow down and when to use the truck’s momentum and keep rolling.

With an impressive finish, Appana Babu, of BGR Mining and Infra Pvt ltd was awarded the 2017 Fuelwatch Championship. He will go on to represent India in the finals held in Sweden. Trailing behind with a marginal difference was Rajkaran Kushwaha, from Baghel Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd, Singrauli Madhya Pradesh, the First Runner Up and Bablu Ghatwal from Coal Mines Associated Traders Pvt. Ltd as the Second Runner-up.

At a ceremony in New Delhi scheduled on June 23, the Fuelwatch Challenge winners will be felicitated and lauded for their award-winning skills. A jubilant Appana Babu says, “This is a dream come true for me. I have been visualising this competition in my head for over a year now and I performed exactly as I had thought to do. Winning this is not only about driving, but also based on the understanding of the terrain, the vehicle and how to move in harmony.”