Scania closing body production plant in business reshaping
Scania is to close a body production operation as part of efforts to reshape its bus and coach business.
The manufacturer says the change is to secure profitable growth in a changing market environment and ‘provide customers with competitive and sustainable mobility solutions’.
As part of the redirection, Scania is to close the part of the plant in Słupsk, Poland that is producing bodies for Scania chassis. Body production will be gradually ended by the first quarter of 2024. This decision will not affect chassis production in Słupsk nor other Scania entities in Poland. Scania is to continue to offer customers complete buses and coaches.
The bus and coach business will get a leaner structure to improve speed and flexibility. A focused approach to Scania’s product portfolio and development ahead means the company will continue to manufacture rear and front engine chassis with broad options of powertrains but discontinue production of Scania Citywide, Scania Interlink and Low floor-chassis.
“The bus and coach market was heavily impacted by the pandemic and although the market has gradually picked up, the pace of recovery is slow, competition is increasing and upcoming legislation requires significant investments in new technology, now and in the future” – Stefano Fedel, Head of Sales & Marketing at Scania
Scania explained its decision in a press statement: “The bus and coach market was heavily impacted by the pandemic and although the market has gradually picked up, the pace of recovery is slow, competition is increasing and upcoming legislation requires significant investments in new technology, now and in the future.”
Stefano Fedel, Head of Sales & Marketing at Scania, said: “We are convinced that the bus and coach business will continue to be an important part of Scania’s offering going forward, but we need an updated strategy that enables us to deliver on our customer promise and secures a profitable business globally.
“By using Scania’s experience and wide range of powertrain options, we will provide our customers complete solutions including service, financing, charging solutions, and intelligent transport systems.”
With the updated strategy, Scania continues to offer complete buses and coaches in increased cooperation with selected bodybuilders and partners in the industry.
Stefano Fedel said: “The majority of Scania’s bus and coach business has always been in cooperation with bodybuilders where a high service level and a strong global presence has been achieved with local setups. This successful approach will be further developed, now in even closer collaboration with our bodybuilders and partners to offer our customers complete solutions.”