UD Trucks holds UD Extra Mile Challenge 2026 global final

UD Trucks Corporation (headquartered in Ageo, Saitama Prefecture; President and CEO: Koichi Ito; hereinafter “UD Trucks”) held the finals of UD Extra Mile Challenge 2026, an international competition in which truck drivers from around the world showcase their driving skills, on October 21 and 22 at the UD Experience Center on the grounds of its headquarters.

First launched in 2015, the competition was held for the eighth time this year.* Sixteen drivers who advanced through qualifying rounds in 15 countries and regions put their skills to the test in two areas: driving skills and daily vehicle inspections. In the driving skills portion, participants drove a course of approximately 1.1 km and were assessed on driving efficiency, safety, precision when parking, and driving techniques that minimize cargo bed vibration. In the daily inspection portion, competitors were assessed on their ability to accurately inspect a checklist of items within a specified time frame while troubleshooting faults planted in advance.

• Excluding the virtual event held in 2020.

Crisanto de Sousa Sanches, representing Indonesia, won the Quester category on October 21, while Kazunori Akiyama, representing Japan, won the Quon category on October 22. Both earned the well-deserved title of “Ultimate Driver.”

Comments from the winners Quon category winner — Kazunori Akiyama (Japan), Suzuyo Cargo Net Shizuoka Co., Ltd. “I am extremely happy that I was able to turn the support of so many people into strength and achieve victory. The experience I gained by participating in this competition is a tremendous asset for me and my career. Thank you all very much.”

Quester category winner — Crisanto de Sousa Sanches (Indonesia), BSA Logistics Indonesia “Two years ago, I was the runner up in the local competition and told myself not to give up. Coming back to win both the Indonesia title and the Global Ultimate Driver for Quester makes this moment incredibly special. None of this would have been possible without the support of so many colleagues and friends. I hope this victory will open up greater opportunities for both the company and myself in the future.”

UD Trucks President and CEO Koichi Ito, welcomed the competitors, saying: “I would like thank all drivers for their dedication and professionalism as they keep logistics and society moving day in and out. Drivers are at the heart of our business. While the Extra Mile Challenge is a competition to showcase the skills of some of the best truck drivers in the world, it is also an invaluable opportunity for us to gain a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges drivers face every day.”