Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the second SPAR International Driver Competition returned in 2024. A total of 13 drivers from 8 SPAR licensed organisations, located in 7 countries, participated this year.

This year’s exciting competition took place at the ÖAMTC Fahrtechnikzentrum Teesdorf, Vienna, on June 25. SPAR drivers employed by licensed organisations in Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom competed. Drivers were put through their paces in tests of skill in precision parking, target braking, obstacle course navigation, fuel efficiency marathons, error identification, and safety inspection.

The coveted title ‘SPAR International Driver of the Year 2024′ was tightly contested, with Norway’s Besim Uruqi taking top spot. Manfred Krenn from Austria finished in second, with Markus Kogler from Switzerland rounding out the top three. All drivers showcased excellence in vehicle management.

Speaking about the event, SPAR Austria’s Head of Central Transport & Special Projects Logistics, Jörg Bernsteiner, said: “I am proud that we were able to host the SPAR International Driver Competition 2024 in Austria, which brought together 13 talented drivers from seven countries who demonstrated exceptional skills on the road. I congratulate all participants on their impressive achievements, especially the winners.”

Tom Rose, Head of Operations at SPAR International, added: “Our drivers are the heart of our supply chain and play a valuable role in the SPAR retail network, ensuring that supply chains are robust, resilient, and meet the needs of our customers every day. We thank everyone who made this year’s SPAR International Driver Competition possible.”

Meanwhile, Rudi Kuchta, Managing Director of MAN Austria, spoke about the partnership with the SPAR network: “We sincerely thank the retail network for their partnership and trust and greatly appreciate the many years of cooperation. It was a great pleasure for us to sponsor the SPAR International annual event, which gave us the opportunity to present MAN’s technical innovations to the drivers from various European countries.”

Source: SPAR International