Scania‘s new era of investment, innovation and commitment redefines sustainability. It means so much more than care for the environment through emissions minimisation, which Scania has always done.

It means improving fuel economy, achieving profit growth sustainably, plus providing safety features within Scania trucks backed up by specialists who settle for nothing less than exemplary performance.

That is Scania New Zealand‘s sustainability commitment. And that is its fuel, safety and service promise to New Zealand customers.

Although Scania‘s onboard system – which enables drivers to get the best run of their truck – is commonplace across manufacturers, sales director Deon Stephens says the difference is in Scania‘s dedicated team.

Staff with specialist skills, technical backgrounds and knowledge of New Zealand roads pick up on faults, often before they occur.

“Our performance team conducts remote customer monitoring easily and efficiently. We‘ll look at the customer‘s truck, see if it‘s running well and identify any faults coming up, if the truck isn‘t getting the correct fuel, or if there is a drop off.

“For fleet managers, it‘s possible to see whether there‘s a hiccup with a particular driver, who could be going through a tough time which is affecting their work.

“I know there‘s been media around some features being too intrusive with drivers, but heavy haulage is difficult work in New Zealand. We see our service as really helpful to the safety perspective too,” says Stephens.

Scania partners with customers to develop product attributes which are fuel-driven and safety-driven primarily, balanced with industry-specific applications tailored to business use.

“That way customers aren‘t just waiting for a truck to fail or to ring us if something goes wrong – and that‘s critical to getting optimal truck performance.”

Safety features which pertain to the application Scania trucks run on were redeveloped several years ago based upon which instruments need to be within arm‘s reach of the driver, with visibility also key.

Innovation in ergonomic and practical design of seats is a finely tuned process, in much the same way aircraft seating must sustain long, repeat journeys day and night.

Scania‘s performance proposition extends well beyond the cab. Retarders are automated and determine downhill speed, selecting appropriate gears and triggering exhaust brakes to control stops.

Drivers can set cruise control and brakes will react to maintain the desired speed. One Kiwi driver of a 2016 Scania R620 drove from Christchurch to Nelson with Opticruise engaged. He touched the brakes just four times. The famous journey has racked up more than 15,000 views on YouTube.

In addition to speed level, it is also possible for drivers to set following distance. Tyres fitted on all Scania models have incredibly strong friction, quickly stopping the truck on any surface in any conditions. Trucks also undergo rigorous wind resistance testing before they are put to market.

To keep up-to-date with Scania New Zealand‘s growing operations, performance division, service offering and recruitment news, follow the team on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.