Last week Scania Southeast Asia held the Scania NTG Test and Drive 2019 where they invited customers, guests as well as members of the media to try out the newly launched (in Malaysia) Scania New Truck Generation series of prime movers. The event was held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) where both the NTG trucks and the overall event received praise from the invitees.
The Scania NTG Test and Drive was a one week long event. There were about 300 invited guests in total and they had a chance to try out Scania’s New Truck Generation in a safe and controlled environment. Yes, MAEPS is actually huge and is now the place to do your commercial vehicle events due to the private roads it has surrounding the area. So many got to try the new Scania G410 Prime Mover there which featured tight corners, sharp bends, gradients and even some who actually tested the brakes of the G410 to the fullest - you can see the video I have embedded here. Super interesting.
One reason Scania decided to organise this event was to allow their customers to experience this latest truck first hand and wipe away any pre-conceived impressions on the new range of Scania trucks. Whilst Scania invested a massive amount of money into the development and made the truck into a world beater in terms of most aspects, there are some who aren't too convinced. Here, the Ringgit matters mosts to the logistics operator and while the NTG truck is really far ahead in terms of its overall execution, they still need convincing.
Scania has reported that those that attended and had tried out the NTG to have loved the truck. Participants praised the performance and features of the New Truck
Generation after having the chance to drive a Scania G410A6X2 New
Truck Generation across two choices of routes within MAEPS.
Alex Lai of Mansang Logistics Sdn Bhd said, “The features of the New Truck Generation have improved
greatly from the older generation as many things have been simplified
making the truck more user friendly, very comfortable and most
importantly the clear visibility from the different angles. The truck
itself is more enhanced and very powerful. Safety feature such as the
improved response from the braking system is also a plus point for
Scania’s New Truck Generation.”
From
the driver’s perspective, Mohamad Hasni, a truck driver from Yeap
Transport and Trading Company said, “The
cabin is one of a kind. Adjustable seat that is close to the door,
ergonomic dashboard with touchscreen, and large windscreen with
extended view make it easier for the driver to operate in a
comfortable and safe environment. Scania has truly designed a truck
that is focused on the customers and the drivers needs.”
We too had a go in the truck at the event. But if you had seen our video on the truck prior to this, the truck is truly something to marvel at. The cabin is so passenger car-like in terms of the materials used. The noise, vibration and harshness levels are also quite extraordinary when compared to the previous G-Series which I have driven before. It is definitely a step above most trucks in the market including its other European rivals.
The Scania NTG series of trucks took over 10 years to develop with 12 million kilometers of testing and over SEK 20 billion (RM 10 billion) worth of investment. Launched earlier this year in Malaysia (but in 2016 in Europe - late due to localisation especially our diesel standards / biodiesel standards too and local assembly), the New Truck Generation is designed and engineered to give Scania truck owners better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions as it is equipped with advanced powertrain and aerodynamic solutions that consume an average of 3 percent less fuel. Other features of the New Truck Generation include new chassis design, extended storage options, and also optional enhanced safety features such as the award-winning rollover side curtain airbags (which should be fitted by operators if possible), which is a first in Malaysia.
“I
am very grateful for all the guests who took the time to test &
drive the New Truck Generation from Scania. I am even more inspired
by the feedback that I have gotten from them. Our guests definitely
saw the features that we can offer, felt the performance of the truck
and also believe that this truck can help lower operating cost,
increase revenue and profitability for their businesses,” said Scania Southeast Asia Managing Director, Marie Sjödin Enström.
“As
a business, Scania has been at the forefront of providing sustainable
transport solutions to our customers. Our New Truck Generation will
serve as the vehicle to carry the momentum of economic progress with
reduced carbon footprint as we work towards our new 2050 commitment
of achieving net-zero emissions,” added Marie.
The
event also saw the handover
ceremony of the Scania NTG to two customers, Mekar Angkut
Sdn Bhd (Mekar Angkut) and Tasik Bintang Transport and Trading Sdn
Bhd (Tasik Bintang).
Mekar Angkut, part of the Konsortium E-Mutiara
group of companies, had decided to purchase 5 G360A4X2NA Scania New Truck
Generation as their first time purchase after being satisfied with
the performance
of Scania buses that are operating under Konsortium E-Mutiara. Seen above is the mock key in the handover ceremony.
On
the other hand, Tasik Bintang, an existing Scania customer with 12
Scania trucks in their fleet, purchased a total of 9 New Truck
Generation by Scania as a sign of confidence in the performance and
reliability of Scania trucks.
Since
the launch of the New Truck Generation, many transport and logistics
companies have been purchasing the trucks as a show of the industry’s
confidence in Scania as well as the increased industry focus towards
sustainable transport solutions. Scania Southeast Asia hopes that with more customer awareness on the NTG, more will be willing to switch to, or upgrade their current trucks to this, which I have to say is one amazing truck to drive.
I usually don't wax lyrical unless the vehicle is really unique, different or a great drive. This NTG is one of those drives. Of course, it is also the total aftersales package for operators to think about before committing to a model, or truck. Speaking of that, Scania's total solution packages are also something to think about as they can actually allow operators total peace of mind and let Scania handle everything about the maintenance and keep uptime as high as possible.
But what a truck. The event was also good in showcasing everything Scania too.
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