Scania annual report 2003

A new truck hits
the road
2004
On 31 March 2004, Scania’s new
truck range has its world premiere.
The R-series, which is optimised for
long-haulage, will be followed by
other models during the coming year.
The R-series features many innovations
that make it Scania’s best truck ever, both
to own and to drive. Concealed inside its
shell are exciting solutions that are crucial
to vehicle reliability, safety and overall performance.
The most important improvements
are related to availability, fuel economy,
greater cargo capacity and driver environment.
The new truck is designed with
a focus on the driver.
Better fuel consumption
To maximise profitability, Scania’s customers
want vehicles that give them the lowest
possible operating cost. Given the stiff
competition that today’s hauliers face, even
marginal improvements are of great importance
to their business. With its 4-series
cab, in 1995 Scania introduced a whole
new truck design, featuring exceptionally
low air resistance. Extensive wind tunnel
tests have revealed further potential
improvements, which have now been introduced.
The R-series has better fuel consumption,
which in turn decreases the
vehicle’s operating cost and environmental
impact.
More time on the road
Vehicle availability is a factor that strongly
influences a customer’s economic situation.
An unplanned workshop visit means
that a truck cannot generate any revenues.
A large percentage of the new parts, components
and systems introduced in the
new truck provide even higher availability,
and thus better total economy.
Lower weight
Scania has greatly reduced vehicle weight
in the R-series – up to 270 kg, depending
on specification. Lower vehicle weight
means higher cargo capacity. This makes
customers with weight-sensitive shipments
more competitive.
New solutions for greater safety
Scania has always accorded top priority to
safety when designing new cabs. Safety
for the driver – but also for other road
users. The dashboard, steering column
and steering wheel of the R-series feature
new systems that make driving easier and
give the driver better protection in case of
a collision. A new generation of electrical
brakes provide better braking power and
responsiveness. The Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) intervenes to prevent skidding
and rolling. Front underrun protection
is integrated in the bumper.
The driver’s favourite cab
Driver comfort is one of Scania’s main hallmarks.
With the R-series, Scania is taking
a major new step to give drivers more of
the comfort they need to do a really good
job. More space, many new functions,
greater comfort and more efficient working
tools increase the chances that the driver
will feel at home in his workplace and thus
drive more safely.
Euro 4
In addition to six Euro 3 engines, Scania is
also offering a 420 hp Euro 4 engine in the
R-series. This lowers emissions of nitrogen
oxides by 30 percent and emissions of particulates
by 80 percent. The flexibility of the
new electrical system creates a platform for
additional emission reductions in the future.
A Scania customer can thus choose a truck
as early as this year that offers extra good
environmental performance, which in some
countries qualifies for lower taxes and fees.
The Euro 4 rules go into effect in the European
Union late in 2005 for new engine
types and one year later for new trucks.
More information about Scania’s new truck
range can be found at our webb site.
7
ANNUAL REPORT 2003