Scania on a roll

Commenting on Scania's performance over the first half of the year, President and CEO Henrik Henriksson said the business reaping the benefits of the introduction of its New Truck Generation, along with improving economic conditions in some key markets.

"Scania increased its net sales to a record high SEK 77.3 billion ($A11.7 billion) in the first six months of 2019, an increase of 17 per cent compared to the previous year," he said, following the release of the brand's half-year performance figures.

"Earnings rose to a new all-time high of SEK 9444 million ($A1436 million), which gave an operating margin of 12.2 per cent. Higher vehicle and service volume, currency effects and a more favourable market mix contributed positively to earnings. The phase-out of double product ranges also improved the cost situation in production, even though some increased costs remain, related to the New Truck Generation and to handling the backlog in customer deliveries from previous flow disruptions.

"The measures put in place to normalise the higher cost situation are continuing and the global production system is adapting to a more normal situation.

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"Demand for trucks in Europe remains strong. In Latin America, the demand trend is reflected by the continuing recovery in Brazil. Demand in Eurasia was impacted negatively by a slowdown in Russia. In Asia, order bookings fell in comparison with the previous year mainly in the Middle East. Demand for buses and coaches slowed somewhat due to lower order intake in the Middle East. In the Engines business area, demand fell slightly compared to the previous year.

"There is still a high capacity utilisation in customers' vehicle fleets and service revenue amounted to a record high SEK 14.3 billion ($A2.2 billion) during the first half of 2019, an increase of nine per cent. Financial Services maintained its trend of increased profitability and reported operating income of SEK 737 million ($A112 million).

"With just over 19.4 per cent of the European market, Scania takes the lead in the registration statistics for trucks over 16 tonnes in the first half of 2019. The success is mainly explained by the good reception of Scania's New Truck Generation.

"Scania delivers a clear customer benefit and during the year Scania's R 450 won the prestigious Green Truck Award 2019 as the most fuel-efficient and sustainable commercial vehicle in its class. Consequently, Scania has won the award for the third year in a row."