Scania GB boss 'seeing an end to the crisis'

Speaking before the unveiling of the new R-Series, Holgersson insisted that "the market will be back sooner than we think. I'm convinced we're seeing an end to the crisis – the launch of our new products is perfect timing. No other truck-maker is doing the same things that we are."

Holgersson reported that in a 'normal' year, UK heavy trucks sales [in the 18-tonnes-plus sector] typically hit around 30,000 to 40,000 units.

"I'm not saying it will be back to those levels next year, but within the next three years," Holgerson predicts.

Having noted that the UK heavy market in 2009 "will be down to between 19,000-20,000", Holgersson added: "We've already good reason to believe that in 2010 the market will be higher by 20%. Next year, it will have grown to between 23,000 to 24,000.

"And by 2011 we think it will be back close to 30,000, returning to normal in 2012. There is a build up in demand. In 12 to 18 months' time, we'll have the banks running after us wanting to lend us money. They need to add on volume and offer us credit."

However, Scania's UK boss warned that the cyclical nature of the truck market means that another downturn in the future is inevitable. "The biggest threat is depreciation of sterling – a weaker pound has a negative effect on the economy, and that's not good.

"We are heading in the right direction for 2012, by which time we'll not remember 2009."

Source : roadtransport.com