Sweden’s Scania has bagged its largest ever European order – to deliver over 2,000 trucks to British transport operator Eddie Stobart.
The trucks, which will be delivered to the haulage firm and its associated companies, will be supplied primarily on 36-month contract-hire agreements.
Due for delivery over a two-year period starting March 2016, this is the fourth time Eddie Stobart and its associated companies have placed a major order with Scania in the UK, following orders for 1,000 vehicles in 2010 and 2012, and for 1,500 units in 2014.
Commenting on the deal, William Stobart, executive chairman of Eddie Stobart, said: “Scania has long played a major role in our fleet and we are naturally extremely pleased to be once again committing to the marque.
“We have been impressed with Scania’s operating economy over the life of the vehicle and the performance of Scania’s 410 and 450 SCR-only Euro 6 engines,” he added.
These factors, together with the service provided by Scania’s dealer network, were the reasons behind the company’s decision to opt for Scania, Stobart added.
The model mix will include Scania G-Series and R-Series, all with Scania Highline cabs, while the 36-month contract hire agreements will include road licences and all repair and maintenance.
Claes Jacobsson, MD of Scania, Great Britain, said: “We are naturally delighted that the long-established relationship between our organisations has not only flourished but continues to grow. We are now very much looking forward to fulfilling this latest order,”.
Scania is a major supplier of heavy trucks in the UK, where it has 90-plus service centres, and in 2015, commanded a 19.5% share of the UK heavy truck market, and a further 7% share of the bus and coach market.
