SODERTALJE, Sweden, March 31, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- At a press conference today, Scania launches its new R-series, a range of long-haulage trucks that is an important extension of its global truck offer. The trucks feature innovations and improvements in many areas. Quality, operating economy, uptime and driver environment have been the principal focus areas during development. A new Euro 4 engine complies with forthcoming emission standards.
Scania has taken the best components from the existing range -- 65 percent -- while innovatively renewing other components and systems to create an exceptionally competitive new global truck range.
Leif Ostling, President and CEO, Scania: "Scania's focus during development of the new truck range was to create an even better environment for the driver and to provide even better earning power for the owner. We have reduced weight and improved reliability and performance, while retaining that distinct Scania feeling.
"Fuel economy is up to 3% better thanks to improved aerodynamics and smarter control of engine auxiliaries, for example. New, lighter components and a new rear suspension save up to 270 kg. Such improvements mean significant gains in earning capacity for the operator.
"From September, customers will also have the choice of a 420 hp Euro 4 engine with emissions that are 30 percent lower for NOx and 80 percent lower for particulates.
"The R-series is an extension of Scania's global product range, where many of the components are interchangeable. Customer demand and legal requirements will decide which products we supply to a given market.
"Scania is therefore gradually replacing the generation concept by a new designation system worldwide. What gives these new Scania trucks their identity is the cab type and the engine power, and that's what you can read in the grille.
"With our global product range, flexible production system and strong organisation worldwide, Scania is fully armed for continued expansion. Scania reinforces its position as the best partner for anyone aspiring to succeed in the transport business," concludes Leif Ostling.
Other product highlights include: . New frontal styling reinforces the Scania identity. . New cab interior with many thoughtful features to support safe driving, while providing true driving pleasure. . Sleeper cabs in three heights: new high-spec high-roof version fits between the standard sleeper and exclusive Topline cabs. A semi- flat floor boosts cab space. . Electronic stability control, ESP, optional on some models. . New generation electronic disc brakes. . In addition to a full range of Euro 3 engines, a 420 hp Euro 4 engine will be available from September 2004.
Scania launches the new R-series after extensive verification to ensure quality in every detail. Since September last year, Scania has built 600 R-series trucks to secure quality both in the product and in the production process. These trucks have been built to production specification and with production components from all suppliers.
This period has also served as a ramp-up of the production process. Production of customer vehicles starts in April in Sodertalje, Sweden, followed by Zwolle, the Netherlands from May and Angers, France from June.
Within the coming year, the R-series will be followed by other models in the new truck range. Brazilian production has been extended with a large number of models from the existing truck range to enable better use of Scania's total production capacity.
In-depth information, pictures, illustrations, etc. will be available on the Internet at www.scania.com.
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