Scania has begun the “challenging process” of reducing its backlog of truck orders built up after a delivery and order stop caused by a lengthy strike at one of the manufacturer’s main casting suppliers.
“This is probably the worst disruption that has hit our company in many decades when it comes to supply disturbances,” said Alexander Vlaskamp, senior vice president, head of Scania Trucks.
“I really would like to thank our customers for the great patience and understanding they have been showing during this dire situation. We at Scania are now doing everything in our power to reinstate a normal situation and deliver V8 trucks and engines worldwide as soon as possible.”
Scania said it has now secured a “small but steady” initial supply of the engine blocks which are the foundation of the V8s built in Södertälje, Sweden.
But the company said production disturbances of this magnitude create “all kinds of logistical challenges”, and it will take some time to deal with the backlog.
“There will still be uncertainties for some weeks before we have the whole picture and can ramp up our production,” said Vlaskamp. “But we are starting now, and will increase gradually with the aim of confirming a correct delivery schedule during the next few months for existing orders.
“We will successively open up for new orders. This whole situation came at a time when we were extremely busy producing new V8 units and I can only say how sorry we are this had to happen to Scania’s loyal customers.”
The V8 engines for Scania’s new truck generation, and for its industrial and marine applications, are produced in Södertälje. The truck engine range consists of four different versions, with power outputs ranging from 520 bhp up 730 bhp, and to more than 1150 bhp for marine engines.
Scania’s first 350 hp V8 engine was launched in 1969, and the engine will turn 50 years old next year.
