As business looks to recover from the effects of the nationwide lockdown that has negatively affected many company’s revenue streams, Scania South Africa is offering support to its customers with discounted Fixed Maintenance Packages specifically for older trucks that may require servicing more frequently. Scania is a global company with sales of trucks, buses and service solutions in over 100 countries.
Scania General Manager, Marketing & Communications in South Africa, Nomonde Kweyi, said that their business is run on a foundation of sustainability.
“In these challenging times, where demand and volumes have dropped by up to 30% across the logistics sector, Scania South Africa is putting support behind our customer’s business recovery efforts by providing cost-efficient packages across our product portfolio”.
Lockdown creates challenges for businesses
During the nationwide lockdown, many businesses ability to trade was impacted and this has affected liquidity across the transport sector. With constrained cash flow and a critical focus on cost optimization, Scania has tailored specific maintenance plans for trucks 4-years or older, to meet individual business needs, ensuring maximum ability to plan financially, while increasing productivity and decreasing disruptions to daily operations. Trucks out of warranty will now enjoy a 12-month warranty covering selected parts. Accelerated parts availability is also a priority with parts available in 24 hours across the Scania Retail Network.
Kweyi explained that many businesses have suffered supply chain deviations as the lockdown has put suppliers under pressure and made importing parts difficult.
“The strength of our global logistics network has allowed us to continue to supply parts to our customers, ensuring that the productivity of their fleet is minimally affected.”
Rapid delivery means parts are available overnight, to ensure minimum disruption to transport schedules and delivery contracts.
Cost-effective solutions for companies
The General Manager of Services Alan Hugo explained that they don’t follow the traditional supplier/customer relationship. He added that they go out of their way to understand each of the businesses and develop solutions.
“By delivering on this, our customers feel the Scania ‘experience’ and become part of the Scania family. We are sensitive to their challenges and are committed to developing new solutions that promote real business sustainability.”
Taking into account that during the lifecycle of a truck, the value changes, Scania has concentrated on offering competitive price points across their Fixed Maintenance Packages. With up to 30% discounts offered, these packages are cost-efficient. To ensure a valid comparison was offered, Scania consulted the AA Kinsey report 2019, which investigates the average cost of vehicle services in South Africa.
Comparing the Scania service packages to the average cost of servicing a double cab, it was found that the entry-level Scania Fixed Maintenance Service Package, was more cost-effective than the average bakkie service.
Kweyi explained that is important now more than ever to offer the best cost efficiencies possible.
“A Scania service that costs less than the average bakkie service goes a long way in contributing to lower operational costs.”