Scania, a key brand under the Traton Group, has achieved a significant milestone with the rollout of its first prototype vehicle from the Rugao industrial production base in China. This step marks a major advancement in the company's strategic investment in China's commercial vehicle industry. Coupled with the Traton Group’s long-term focus on China, this development showcases the deepening collaboration between Chinese industry and global giants, as well as a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design .

Traton Group, one of the largest commercial vehicle companies globally, has played a crucial role in shaping China's modern commercial vehicle industry for over six decades. Since their entry into the Chinese market in 1965 with Scania and MAN, the group has consistently introduced advanced products, technologies, and strategies. In 2024 alone, Traton sold 334,215 vehicles, generating €47.5 billion in revenue with a 9.2% adjusted operating return on sales. Through its digitalization, electrification, and autonomous driving technologies, the group is driving industry transformation and meeting the evolving needs of regional and global markets .

Scania’s Rugao facility is positioned as the company’s most advanced and sustainable factory. This carbon-neutral production base integrates cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, enabling optimized product delivery cycles and highly customized solutions for consumers. The facility reached a significant milestone with the rollout of its first prototype vehicle, which has already begun national road tests. Full-scale production is expected to commence in late 2025, marking a new era of localized, high-quality manufacturing to accommodate growing market demand both in China and globally .

Aligned with Scania’s global sustainable development goals, the Rugao factory incorporates a supply chain model that balances local adaptability with international standards. In line with China's strategic goals outlined during the National Two Sessions, Scania’s focus on clean energy and high-end technology also enables the company to contribute to building a more sustainable and innovative industrial ecosystem.

A cornerstone of Scania’s investment in China is its Asian Research & Development Center. Located across Rugao, Shanghai, and Beijing, the R&D network integrates engineers from around the globe, focusing on key areas such as electrification, autonomous driving, intelligent connectivity, and advanced vehicle design. This center is supported by Traton's global team of 11,000 engineers and serves as a critical resource for developing the Traton Modular System (TMS), a shared framework for all brands under the Traton Group.

Sonia Ederstål, Vice President of Scania's Industrial Operations in Asia, emphasized the importance of localized R&D in understanding customer needs and delivering solutions tailored to China’s growing market. By marrying global expertise with Chinese innovation, Scania aims to position China as a hub for advancements in commercial vehicle technology.

At a vital stage for the global trucking industry, this strategic expansion solidifies Scania’s position as a leader in the market. With a focus on carbon-neutral strategies, intelligent designs, and personalized customer solutions, the investments in China underline Traton Group’s vision of leveraging Chinese innovation to enhance its global competitiveness.

Scania’s expanding operations in China are more than just a regional investment—they signify a significant shift in how global manufacturers engage with rapidly modernising markets. With its focus on sustainable production, technological advancement, and customer-driven innovation, Scania’s Rugao base and Asian R&D initiatives are set to redefine the benchmarks for commercial vehicle manufacturing in both China and the world.