New-Zealand-based female truck driver, Louise Marriot has made history by becoming the first woman to win the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge.

THE FINAL of the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 saw New Zealand truck driver, Louise Marriot set a fuel consumption record in the final, using 17.5% less fuel compared with the highest amount of fuel used.

“Ms Marriott became the first female driver in the competition’s illustrious history to achieve a podium finish at the event, joining Ravi Poleboina from India who was awarded the most fuel-efficient driver in the off-road segment. In addition to being the first female driver, Ms. Marriott was also the first representative from New Zealand to attain the top prize at the Fuelwatch Challenge,” Volvo Trucks said.

Ms Marriott (pictured above) said: “I’m absolutely pleased to be this year’s most fuel-efficient driver and to be the first contestant to bring the trophy home to New Zealand. While our industry is often thought of as being male dominated, the Fuelwatch Challenge has been a great platform for us to show that all drivers, regardless of gender, can perform at the highest level while being fuel-efficient. I look forward to sharing the experience at Fuelwatch with my colleagues back home.”

Congratulating Ms Marriott, Christophe Martin, President of Volvo Trucks in Asia Oceania said: “I am delighted and proud to witness history made at this year’s Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015, with the first female driver joining the ranks of past Fuelwatch winners. Louise’s achievements will no doubt encourage aspiring female drivers, which will benefit the industry as a whole.”

The Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge kicked-off around the Asia Pacifi earlier this year, and saw 17 drivers qualify for the regional final in Thailand – there are on- and off-road driving categories. The list of finalists included four women.