Following three weeks of intense competition, UD Trucks has crowned the winner of its 2026 Extra Mile Challenge Australia, with the winner set to represent Australia in the global final in Japan next month.
Taking out the Australian title is Anthony Cassar of Coolway Trans, representing Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia Sydney West.
Drivers were assessed through UD Connect telematics across key performance disciplines including Anticipation & Braking, Driveline Utilisation, Speed Adaptation and Standstill.
In an incredibly close final, Anthony secured victory with an outstanding average score of 82.66, finishing just one point ahead of his nearest competitor.
Launched in 2015, the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is a skills-based driver competition designed to demonstrate how improvements in driver behaviour can contribute to safer driving, improved fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle wear and tear.
The challenge celebrates the professional truck drivers who keep Australia moving while supporting UD Trucks’ commitment to creating a “Better Life”.
As Australia’s 2026 champion with 27 years of driving experience, Anthony, will travel to Ageo, Japan, in October 2026 to compete in the Global UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge Final, where he will go head-to-head with the world’s best UD drivers behind the wheel of the UD Quon.
Cameron Bettany, Vice President, UD Trucks Australia congratulated Anthony on an outstanding result. “The Extra Mile Challenge showcases the professionalism, skill and dedication of our drivers, and Anthony’s performance throughout the competition has been exceptional,” he said.
“We’re excited to once again have a strong Australian representative competing on the world stage. We wish Anthony every success as he takes on the world’s best drivers in Japan and proudly represents Australia.”
Owner of Coolway Trans, Sunny Ahmed, thanked UD Trucks Australia and Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia for putting on the Extra Mile Challenge and giving Anthony a platform to shine. “We’re incredibly proud of him and this result. It’s a well-deserved achievement that reflects Anthony’s professionalism and dedication behind the wheel. Good luck in Ageo Anthony.”
At the global final in Japan, Anthony will against regional winners.
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