2023_11_Sustainable Truck&Van

FACE-TO-FACE
TRATON GROUP’S CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
FAR-SIGHTED VIEW
When we at Sustainable
Truck&Van had
our last conversation
with Andreas Follér, he
was Head of Sustainability at
Scania. Now he’s Chief Sustainability
Officer at TRA-
TON: something has changed.
“Shifting from a brand-centric
focus to a Group-level perspective
has made it necessary
to find a way to ensure
that all employees across this
vast organization can collaborate
seamlessly. While
the strategies and solutions
for addressing sustainability
may vary among the different
brands, my aim is to identify a
complementary approach that
fosters support and cooperation
among our companies”,
he said.
Which action is Traton taking
to fulfil the Paris Agreement
targets?
“We have three main approaches
– user face, supply
chain, and direct emissions
from operations.
“Talking about the Paris Agreement,
both Scania and MAN have already
obtained certified science-based
carbon reduction targets. Navistar is
progressing towards establishing its
own, and VW Truck & Bus has a leading
position in South America”.
Both Scania and MAN have
already obtained certified
science-based carbon reduction
targets, and Navistar is
progressing towards establishing
its own. Additionally,
Volkswagen Truck & Bus is
expected to take a leading
position in the Latin American
market, although the pace of
electrification in the region
appears to be somewhat slower.
As part of the TRATON
Group, we are fully dedicated
to aligning Scania, MAN,
Navistar and Volkswagen
Truck & Bus and our product
offerings with the objectives
of the Paris Agreement by
adhering to science-based targets.
Achieving this alignment
necessitates a comprehensive
360-degree approach to decarbonization”.
The major TRATON brands
are investing a lot to manufacture
EV batteries in-
Currently
serving
as Chief
Sustainability
Officer at
TRATON,
Andreas
Follér plays
a crucial role
in integrating
sustainable
practices and
technologies
within
TRATON
Group’s
operations.
house. Why are such investments
worthy?
“We have opted not to produce
battery cells internally
as part of our strategy. Instead,
we are focused on establishing
partnerships and
collaboration with leading
battery cell manufacturers.
This collaborative effort involves
integrating, researching,
and jointly developing
electric vehicle (EV) cells
tailored specifically for heavy
goods vehicles (HGVs).
At the beginning of September,
we have indeed inaugurated
our state-of-the-art battery
factory in Södertälje, Sweden.
This facility will play a
crucial role in our operations,
as it will receive battery cells
from Northvolt. These cells
will then be processed into
modules and subsequently
assembled into packs, which
will be integrated into our
vehicles. Importantly, this
battery factory is conveniently
located adjacent to our Scania
chassis assembly plant,
streamlining our production
processes”.
We know that both Scania
and MAN are working on
hydrogen-powered trucks,
even though it’s not clear
when they’ll be available
on the market. How promising
is such technology for
“We have opted not to produce
battery cells internally as part of our
strategy. Instead, we are focused
on establishing partnerships and
collaboration with leading battery cell
manufacturers. Scania has recently
opened its facility in Södertälje”.
heavy-duty transport? And
will it only be fuel cells or
even hydrogen-powered
ICEs?
“We are working within our
R&D departments on these
technologies.
Scania may be the only OEM
that currently has, and has
had for a year or two now,
fuel cell trucks running in the
streets of Sweden and Norway.
We are definitely exploring
these technologies more
and more. I cannot answer
today when we will launch
more products like this, but
we aren’t closing the door to
any green technologies. The
TRATON Group focuses on
developing whichever technologies
make the most sense
for our customers”.
There are lots of expectations
about the MAN
eTruck. Why is it important
in the overall TRATON decarbonization
strategy?
“The preparation of first-generation
e-Trucks by each of
Scania, MAN, Navistar and
Volkswagen Truck & Bus is
a pivotal step. It signifies our
dedication not only to our valued
customers but also to the
broader transport community.
Our aim is to underscore our
commitment and provide tangible
solutions. These initial
products will serve as invaluable
learning experiences for
us. We are committed to closely
collaborating with our customers,
ensuring a continuous
cycle of improvement. Our
primary goal is to enhance
the user experience and facilitate
the seamless operation
of these cutting-edge technologies
for our customers”.
“I hold unwavering confidence in the
capable management team and the
dedicated individuals involved in the
Milence project we share with Daimler
Truck and Volvo. I eagerly anticipate
the launch of the first charging point as
a significant milestone”.
Finally, the Milence project
has quite ambitious targets
and not so much time ahead
to achieve them. Are you
still confident about it?
“Milence represents a collaborative
effort between
the TRATON Group, Daimler
Truck, and Volvo Group.
While we are not directly
involved in the operational
management of the company,
I hold unwavering confidence
in their capable management
team and the dedicated individuals
contributing to Milence’s
success.
The team at Milence faces
significant challenges in resolving
the intricate issues
surrounding the installation
of charging points along Europe’s
highway corridors.
This can undoubtedly be a
source of frustration.
Nevertheless, it’s encouraging
to witness a growing recognition
of the imperative and
economic viability of establishing
charging infrastructure
for heavy commercial
road transport. This momentum
is being driven by various
stakeholders, including
energy utilities, landowners,
and policymakers. Milence
is making notable strides in
this regard, and I eagerly anticipate
the launch of the first
charging point as a significant
milestone in this journey”.
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