UD Lap of the Map – reflections

Nearly nine months after completing the 15,500km journey at the wheel of the UD Quon CW 25 360, Matt Wood, Public Relations and Media Manager at Volvo Group Australia, takes some time to reflect on the trip. “So, it turns out that the Quon was very fuel efficient,” says Wood. “At a gross weight of over 22,000kg the truck averaged 2.9km/l.

“Unlike the truck which had a thrifty appetite, I ended up succumbing to the temptations of road food resulting in a higher-than-average steer axle weight by the end of trip!”

“In all seriousness, this truck never ceased to amaze. Even on some of the worst outback roads I encountered, from broken tarmac to corrugated dirt, the trusty Quon delivered a sure footed and comfortable ride.”

“While a 6×4 rigid isn’t usually the first vehicle to spring to mind when it comes to long distance transport, this truck proved that long hours in the saddle don’t have to mean a sore back or aching limbs.”

Following national Highway 1, the trip was inspired by UD Trucks founder Kenzo Adachi’s legendary 1939 test drive where he embarked on a grueling 3000 kilometre journey to prove the ultimate dependability of his new vehicle.

Whilst Wood’s epic journey reinforced the dependability and reliability of the UD in Australia, the heart of this journey was undoubtedly the people that Wood visited along the way, that built their business on UD Trucks and that have become a part of the UD family over the years.