Scania has announced it has delivered the first examples of its New Truck Generation vehicles to major logistics company Linfox.
The Euro 6 P 450 6×4 prime movers are the first of a total of 42 that will have ordered for use by Linfox around Australia, predominantly in metropolitan operations.
The new Scania P 450 Sleeper Cabs are fitted as standard with side curtain roll over airbags, and according to Scania these are the first such safety devices to be fitted to any trucks available in Australia, contributing a significant safety enhancement for drivers.
The P-series is Scania’s lowest-entry cab currently available in Australia, clearly a reason why they were ordered by Linfox, making multiple entry and exit manoeuvres far easier for its drivers who are engaged in multi-drop deliveries during a shift.
According to Scania it has also vastly improved visibility and comfort for drivers with the New Truck Generation, moving the front axle 50 mm further forward and moving the driver closer to the screen and the door to aid vehicle positioning, very helpful when reversing onto loading docks in cramped supermarket or retail premises, as Truck and Bus News has see first hand when testing the NTG models. A larger windscreen and redesigned A-pillars, plus redesigned door mirrors and new brackets, greatly improve visibility at intersections, which is vital for urban operators.
The full Scania safety pack has been fitted to the Linfox order including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning, not to mention auto wipers and headlamps, as well as LED daytime running lamps. Larger brakes than before deliver a shorter stopping distance.
Scania says that inside the Sleeper Cab, there is a full-size mattress providing comfortable resting or overnight accommodation. A large window in the backwall assists hooking-up, and the glass sunroof/emergency exit allows even more light into the cab.
The 450 hp 6-cylinder engine produces 2350 Nm of torque and is fed by a 710-litre fuel tank, while there are 75-litres of AdBlue on board.
The trucks were painted in the iconic Linfox red and yellow at the factory, to ensure the best possible quality.
“Scania is very pleased to have a fleet customer as important as Linfox take delivery of our New Truck Generation P-series,” said Mikael Jansson, Managing Director of Scania Australia.
“We have only recently begun delivery of the NTG vehicles in Australia and this is the biggest fleet order we have delivered of the NTG. We see this order as a vote of confidence in the Scania NTG vehicle, and our joint commitment to safety and sustainability,” Mr Jansson said.
“The Scania NTG is the safest truck in Australia thanks to its comprehensive safety features including the only side curtain rollover protection airbags available in the truck market.
“Linfox was also very keen to take advantage of our Euro 6 engine, which offers significantly reduced emissions.
“Linfox has very high expectations for the new trucks, which we are confident they will meet and exceed,” Mr Jansson said.
“This purchase forms part of our ongoing work to replace older vehicles within our fleet to take advantage of new technology that improves safety and efficiency, while also reducing emissions,” said Ray Gamble, President of Fleet & Procurement, Linfox.
“These investments ensure we are positioned to deliver more efficient and safer logistics for our customers and our community. We look forward to bringing the benefits of these investments to our customers and community in 2019.”
