Scania integrates trucks and buses in the IT world

Scania integrates trucks and buses in the IT world Jointly with the Swedish automotive research company Mecel (Delphi-owned), Scania is starting a new cutting-edge electronics company, Scania Infotronics AB, headed by Peter Gillbrand. Operational from 1 April 1999, the new company will use new information technology and flexible working methods to respond rapidly to new demands in the heavy vehicle business. "Scania is determined to stay at the forefront of commercial vehicle develop- ment," says Håkan Samuelsson, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Of- ficer at Scania. "Having full control of systems design and integration is one of the leading principles in our development strategy. "We will introduce IT systems and features wherever they produce tangible cus- tomer benefits, promote operating economy and uptime, reduce the environmental impact or promote road safety - to further strengthen the values of the Scania brand. "One of the main objectives with Scania Infotronics AB is to have small groups of creative people, who can respond quickly to new technology and new demands, and develop them into viable solutions that add value for our customers. We expect them to work and act to create a stimulating working environment that develops our competence in various ways." Mecel AB [me'kæl] Mecel is engaged in advanced electronics engineering for the automotive indus- try with a focus on engines, vehicles, the environment and infrastructural systems. Mecel's strengths are its highly skilled workforce, speed to market and the leverage of its owner, Delphi Automotive Systems, the world largest automotive systems supplier. Research projects Scania is cooperating on several projects with research bodies at Swedish uni- versities. "The links with research and higher education are vital to Scania's future re- cruitment base," continues Mr Samuelsson. "Being involved in university re- search projects means that we become visible to a large group of potential de- velopment engineers, while staying at the forefront of technological develop- ment." Scania's pioneering work Prior to this new stage in vehicle technology, Scania has a long tradition of pioneering work in commercial vehicle electronics. This work includes: * Electronic gearchanging. The first system in the world was put on the mar- ket in 1984. * Electronic engine management. Scania launched EDC (electronic diesel con- trol) in 1987. * Laptop-based diagnostics and programming. Preceded by flash-code based trouble-shooting on early diagnostics systems during the 1980s, Scania Diagnos was introduced in 1992. * Integrated retarder. Scania launched combined electronic control of the en- gine and Scania's own retarder system in 1993. * Integrated powertrain management. Scania Opticruise, combining engine, gearbox and retarder control, was launched in 1995. * Electronic brake control (instead of pneumatic). As the first manufacturer in the world, Scania introduced its electronic brake system (EBS) combined with four-wheel disc brakes in mid-1996. Development was initiated together with Bosch already in 1983. Photo: see www.scania.com For further information, please contact: Per-Erik Nordström, Scania Corporate Communications, tel. +46 70 5535577, e-mail: per-erik.nordstrom@scania.com Peter Gillbrand, Scania Infotronics AB, tel. +46 70 8225969, e-mail: peter.gillbrand@scania.com Hasse Johansson, Mecel AB, tel +46 532 621 02 e-mail: hasse.johansson@mecel.se Scania is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. With 23,500 employees and production facilities in Europe and Latin America, Scania is one of the most profitable companies in its sector. In 1998, turnover totalled SEK 45,300 million and income after financial items SEK 3,200 million. Scania products are marketed in about 100 countries worldwide and approximately 96 percent of total production is sold outside Sweden. Scania press releases are available on the Internet, www.scania.com ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/03/25/19990325BIT00420/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/03/25/19990325BIT00420/bit0002.pdf