As we approach the end of 2023, UD Truck’s 50th year here on Australia soil, it seems timely to reflect on UD’s epic Lap of the Map tour that took place just shy of a year ago.
Now, 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 6x4 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.
“It was a great opportunity to meet the faces of UD, customers and dealers off the beaten track that built the brand here in Australia and made it what it is today.”
From broken outback highways and rutted dirt tracks to the CBDs of major capital cities the 6x4 Quon faced all challenges thrown its way with aplomb.
The mighty Quon survived searing heat and the humidity of the tropical far north on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria as well as the dry and harsh terrain across the vast reaches of Australia.
In fact, the truck had to deal with virtually every climate system that the Australasian continent had to throw at it.
Far from being just a round town PUD vehicle, the 6x4 UD proved itself a capable cross-continental hauler.
“We see the UD Quon delivering safety, reliability, comfort and efficiency for our customers day and day out,” says Lauren Pulitano, Vice President UD Trucks Australia. “However, taking our truck into the wilderness to visit some of the people that helped build our business over the last 5 decades allowed us to take the road less travelled and tell their genuine stories.”
“Stories of hard work, dedication, and trust. Stories that have made the Australian transport industry and UD Trucks what they are today.”
