Scania has delivered their quarterly report containing news that there was a high level of activity both in order intake and deliveries, despite major difficulties related to pandemic restrictions and the supply chain.
Net sales were up by 8 percent and operating margin amounted to 13.0 (9.1) percent
Christian Levin, President and CEO said, “After last year’s uncertainty due to the pandemic, the recovery in demand has continued to be strong during this quarter. Our customers’ capacity utilisation is good and data gathered from connected Scania vehicles show a high level of transport activity, particularly in the long haulage and construction segments. On the bus and coach side, the low level of activity continues, particularly for coaches, while the situation for city buses is slightly better. The investment need that follows the high transport activity of our truck customers has also been seen in the order books during the quarter. Order intake for trucks is strong in essentially all markets, while it is weaker for buses and coaches.
Electric Trucks Under Way
During the quarter, we started the construction of our new battery assembly plant in Södertälje. The facility which will be fully operational by 2023, clearly demonstrates our determination to take a leading role in heavy vehicle electrification. Operating an on-site battery assembly plant is a prerequisite for large-scale production of electric vehicles. To deliver increasing volumes of electric vehicles is crucial for Scania’s commitment to fulfil our climate targets.
As new to the CEO position – but after 25 years in the company – I am looking forward to continuing to drive the shift to sustainable transport with Scania in the lead. The strategy remains and to be able to deliver on the strategy, we accelerate the ongoing transformation of the company.”