SODERTALJE, Sweden, Jan. 17, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Since the start in 2002, Scania has sold 250 Russian-produced city buses to customers in the Russian Federation, 100 of which to the city of St Petersburg. Sales in 2004 alone reached 136 and an intercity model will now be added to the range.
In 2002, Scania established Scania Peter and started assembling complete city buses with Scania Omni bodywork in St Petersburg. In cooperation with Scania Russia in Moscow, the buses have in the main been marketed to private transport companies in selected cities throughout the Russian Federation. The majority of sales have been in the St Petersburg and Moscow regions, but also to Siberia and to other states in the federation, all as part of the ongoing renewal of ageing bus fleets.
In addition to sales of complete buses built in St Petersburg, Scania is also supplying chassis from Sweden to local bodybuilders in several parts of the Russian Federation. Chassis sales during 2004 amounted to around 140 units.
"The Scania OmniLink city bus has given a new face to public transport in St Petersburg," says Ken Tarnstrom, responsible for sales at Scania's bus-building subsidiary, Scania Omni. "The fact that the bus is built in the city has attracted extra attention. Passengers appreciate the low floor height when entering the bus and the comfortable ride. Operators are getting the support they require in terms of parts and service.
"Scania has become a respected player in the city bus segment. We are now entering the intercity segment with the Scania OmniLine, also assembled in St Petersburg. This bus is eminently suited to long-distance travel on Russian roads," concludes Ken Tarnstrom.
Scania OmniLink is a low-entrance city bus with a low floor and one-step entry and exit through the front and middle doors. A rear door is frequently specified as well to improve passenger flow. The all-aluminium body is light and strong. Body parts are easy to repair and recycle. The bus is powered by the Scania 9-litre Euro 3-engine with 230 hp, coupled to a ZF automatic gearbox.
The Scania OmniLine intercity bus also has an all-aluminium body and a 9-litre powertrain, generally with the 310 hp engine and a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
Located on the banks of the Neva River, Scania's assembly plant employs around 200 persons. Parts and components are generally supplied from Sweden, but local content is being gradually increased.
For further information, please contact Ken Tarnstrom, Scania Omni, tel. +46703623600, or Gunnar Boman, Scania Corporate Relations, tel. +46855389510.
Scania is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. With 29,100 employees and production facilities in Europe and Latin America, Scania is one of the most profitable companies in its sector. In 2003, sales totalled SEK 50.5 billion and income after financial items was SEK 4.6 billion. Scania products are marketed in about 100 countries worldwide and some 95 percent of Scania's vehicles are sold outside Sweden. Bus chassis production takes place in Sweden, Brazil and Mexico. Bodybuilding takes place in Poland and Russia.
Scania press releases are available on the Internet, www.scania.com
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