Scania closes largest truck sale ever in Brazil


SODERTALJE, Sweden, Sept. 08, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Haulage firm Binotto has placed an order for the purchase of 200 Scania trucks, a deal worth a total of $15 million. It is the largest single deal in Scania Brazil's history.

The trucks, two- and three-axle R124 tractor units, are fitted with Scania's 12-litre 400 hp engine. The new order is part of Binotto's fleet renewal plan.

"When we implemented a new fleet management programme last February, we noted the higher productivity of Scania trucks in heavy applications due to their optimised average speed and increased haulage capacity," remarks Binotto's Operational Director Edilson Binotto. The company owns a fleet of 380 heavy trucks, 700 medium-sized trucks, and over 1,000 light vehicles and trailers.

All the new trucks will be covered by a Scania Repair and Maintenance Contract and will undergo all necessary maintenance at Scania dealers at a predetermined price per kilometre. Binotto will receive its 200 vehicles in batches, with final delivery scheduled for the end of April 2004.

"This deal is a historical milestone for Scania in Brazil, not only because of the volume but also because it strengthens the 25-year long partnership with Binotto, who have long recognised the advantages of Scania trucks in their operations," comments Christopher Podgorski, Managing Director of Scania's sales and service operations in Brazil.

For further information, please contact Hans-Ake Danielsson, tel. +46 8 553 856 62

Scania is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. With 28,200 employees and production facilities in Europe and Latin America, Scania is one of the most profitable companies in its sector. In 2002, turnover totalled SEK 47,000 million and the result after financial items was SEK 3,700 million. Scania products are marketed in about 100 countries worldwide and some 95 percent of Scania's vehicles are sold outside Sweden. Bus chassis production takes place in Sweden, Brazil and Mexico. Bodybuilding takes place in Sweden, Poland and Russia.

Scania press releases are available on the Internet, www.scania.com

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