Emirates Motor Company Commercial Vehicles (EMC CV) has held the UAE’s first Mercedes-Benz Fleetboard Driving Championship in Abu Dhabi.
The authorised general distributor of Daimler Commercial Vehicles in the Emirate announced the the final winners during a ceremony at EMC CV’s Mussafah facility this week.
Featuring skilled drivers and vehicles from Western Bainoona Group (WBG), Tristar Engineering and Construction, Al Falah Holdings and Transgulf Readymix, only 18 drivers remained ahead of the final qualification round, the distributor explained in a statement.
Fleets and drivers were clustered into different operational segments, namely Actros Classic and the new Actros – both tractor/trailer operation (medium to long distance); and Actros Classic and new Arocs – both tipper/mixer operation, it added.
EMC CV and Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA judged the competition with driver ratings based purely on overall grading from Fleetboard performance analysis. The top two drivers per cluster then went head-to-head in the final event which was divided into three main categories including: a 25 kilometer drive (weighted 60 points); an alley dock reverse exercise with semi-trailer rated on quickest time and accuracy (weighted 20 points); and finally a straight reverse, accuracy braking and stopping closest to multiple designated points, and driving over off-set of cones with front RHS wheel (weighted 20 points).
Officials from EMC CV awarded the Mercedes-Benz Fleetboard Driving Championship’s top winning ‘Drivers Per Fleet’ awarded prizes to Sugraj Singh Parshotan from Al Falah Holding, Wajid Ali from Tristar Engineering and Construction, Adam Khel, from Wester Bainoona Group and Abdul Hameed from Transgulf Readymix for wins in their respective categories.
“We are delighted to have organized this championship for the first time in the UAE as it honors truck drivers and the entire industry with deserved attention and exposure,” said Bilal Al Ribi, general manager, EMC CV. “I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the winners and thank Daimler Commercial Vehicles Middle East for their leading contribution which has ensured the resounding success of the competition.
“EMC CV is the largest Fleetboard Mercedes-Benz distributor in the MENA region and is constantly involved in community-driven activities. Our association with the Mercedes-Benz Fleetboard Driving Championship will allow us to continue attaining the highest levels of customer satisfaction, while strengthening our relationship with clients in Abu Dhabi.”
Johannes Faatz, Head of Business Development & Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA, added that Daimler Commercial Vehicles is, “always keen to honor and reward skilled heavy-vehicle drivers who have applied themselves in line with the highest professional standards. We have been organizing this activity in Europe for the last decade, and this is the first year we bring it to Abu Dhabi, UAE with EMC CV. The Mercedes-Benz Fleetboard Driving Championship provides the perfect platform for drivers to showcase their talents. I wish to thank all the drivers and the esteemed corporations that encouraged their teams to participate.”
Held in collaboration with Daimler Commercial Vehicles Middle East and organised by EMC CV for their largest Fleetboard clients in Abu Dhabi, the competition aims at recognising truck drivers and awarding individuals with the best driving skills. The UAEs first edition kicked off in February 2019 with an initial 800 drivers competing for Top Driver honors across four clusters.
The success of the UAE’s first edition for Mercedes-Benz is certain to generate additional interest that could lead to this year’s total of 800 drivers being increased at the next competition. Mercedes-Benz have combined experience and knowledge gained over several decades to pioneer and innovate in various fields, including safety and the environment. Mercedes-Benz trucks boast a strong portfolio of vehicles designed to travel long distances, withstand tough conditions and track driver efficiency.
