Scania is looking to cut lead times "without major investment", says senior vice-president - research and development Hasse Johansson, who estimates a 20% increase in production of chassis cabs by 2010. Johansson says manufacturing of gearboxes and axles will be moved from the south of Sweden to Sodertalje to ensure a "much better flow" between production lines. The move will also cut transport costs and offer a more environmentally friendly solution, he says.
An increase in production
capacity at Scania's South American factory - where the manufacturer is looking to export 50% of its output outside of the continent - will also help achieve the target increase from 80,000 cabs to 100,000 worldwide within three years. Johansson confirms that Scania sees manufacturers from the Far East - particularly China - as more competition. "They're improving pretty rapidly," he says, adding: "We are following them as closely as we can."
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