Thank you. That’s the overriding sentiment from Scania New Zealand to the country’s trucking community following a recent online survey undertaken in partnership with New Zealand Trucking, that asked drivers and owners what their preferred truck brand was and why.

Scania knows Kiwi truckies are a discerning bunch, which is why the overwhelming results meant ‘truckloads’ to the world-leading brand. The survey garnered 720 respondents. Spoiler alert – Scania came out tops, by a long way.

Scania New Zealand managing director, Rafael Alvarenga, says there is nothing better for a brand and a team than to see the results of its focus and effort strongly validated by its most important critics – its customers and industry peers.

“The Scania NZ team works tirelessly to make its customers’ needs its top priority, so to come out as No.1 across so many categories, from safety to comfort and performance to sustainability, is incredibly motivating as we always continue to look to improve,” he adds.

Alvarenga says one of the survey’s most gratifying results for his team’s hard work and focus in making the brand aspirational is the noticeable increase when comparing the number of truckies who already drive a Scania with those who would prefer to drive one if they had the choice.

“It really does speak volumes,” says Alvarenga, “…just like the sound of a Scania 770S V8 under full load climbing up the Kaimais!”

He is also very proud to say this stakeholder success has not come about by chance.

Scania NZ has an ongoing programme of strategic investments across its national and regional networks to ensure its renowned customer service maintains pace with the brand’s ever-expanding presence in the country.

Encouragingly, they are investments that speak directly to many of the categories canvassed in the survey, such as after-sales servicing and parts, performance, training and sustainability.

Greater reach into the regions – Scania now enjoys a stable of 25 nation-wide service centres, 10 of which are Scania-owned branches. Most recent additions to the network include Hastings, Hautapu and Hokitika, with major upgrades in Whangarei and Christchurch coming soon and new facilities set for Invercargill and Hastings next year

The National Training Development Centre in Christchurch – which is about developing Scania technicians and ensuring best-practice, productivity, efficiency and the latest technology is maximised when servicing vehicles

The expansion of driver services, training and skills – a focus on improving fleet vehicles’ performance and customer profitability

The new Business Transformation Team – launched last year to ensure the Scania business plans and acts sustainably alongside its day-to-day operations, covering areas from digitalisation to network development.

“We aim to be the industry’s preferred solution provider, delivering premium products and services in a sustainable way with a strong dealer network. That is our commitment to customers and the ongoing focus of our fantastic team,” says Alvarenga.

“So, thanks again for being such an important part of our journey.”