Scania annual report 2003

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TRUCK
A truck with lower operating cost and
environmental impact
Scania’s customers want reliable vehicles
that give them the lowest possible
operating cost. The tough competition
that today’s hauliers face
means that even marginal improvements
are very important to a
customer’s business. Scania’s new
truck range was developed with
precisely this in mind.
Scania’s first Euro 4 engines are available
with the R-series. These engines deliver a
30 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide
emissions and an 80 percent reduction in
particulate matter. The new R-series provides
fuel savings of several percent,
which is important to the customer when
vehicle fuel accounts for one-third of his
total costs.
This saving was achieved primarily
through improved aerodynamics and electronic
auxiliary systems.
Lower air resistance
In 1995 Scania introduced a radically altered
cab design, offering exceptionally
low air resistance. Since then, continued
careful wind tunnel research has revealed
further improvement potential. This
applies, for example, to the shape, size
and placement of parts that affect air flow
around the vehicle. The front of the R-
series, with new air deflectors and a more
rounded bumper that reduces turbulence
under the vehicle and creates better air
flow around the wheels, is one result of
this research work.
Lower weight and higher
cargo capacity
Scania’s new truck range also features a
significant reduction in weight. Lower vehicle
weight means higher cargo capacity.
A new frame, rear suspension and fifth
wheel plus weight reductions in the steering
gear and cab increase cargo capacity
by up to 270 kg.
Scania’s new truck range also allows
a larger number of potential specifications,
which means customers can tailor their
vehicles especially for weight- or volumesensitive
haulage work.
Vehicles with increased availability
While developing the new truck, Scania
accorded top priority to safety, quality,
reliability and high availability. Availability is
a factor that greatly affects the economic
situation of customers. Many of the
new parts, components and systems
introduced in the new truck give drivers
improved vehicle availability and lower
operating cost.
Lower emission Euro 4 engine
The engine management potential provided
by the new electrical system of the R-
series creates a platform for future emission
reductions. But as early as during
2004, Scania can offer Euro 4 engines
with 30 percent lower nitrogen oxide and
80 percent lower particulate emissions.
Engine development work at Scania
has always been motivated by the desire
to reduce emissions without boosting
the level of fuel consumption. For the researchers
who perform this work, new
emission regulations for the years ahead
serve as an extra challenge.
As a consequence, refinements of fuel
injection systems and other advanced
technology will reduce the exhaust emissions
of the diesel engine within the near
future.
The development of future engines
using entirely new combustion concepts,
such as Homogeneous Charge Compression
Ignition (HCCI), is still at an early
stage. Renewable fuels are still not economically
feasible for running heavy trucks.
However, they may be highly suitable as
raw materials for a future synthetic diesel
fuel.
ANNUAL REPORT 2003 28