With the establishment and commissioning of Scania’s China factory, more and more news about locally manufactured Scania trucks in China has been released. However, apart from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), there have been no detailed images of these trucks available online to reveal their true appearance. Therefore, this article will take you behind the scenes to uncover the exterior, interior, and some key details of Scania trucks made in China.
Currently, Scania trucks manufactured locally in China are available in two drive configurations: 4×2 and 6×2R. The difference in appearance lies in the number of axles – two axles for the 4×2 model and three axles for the 6×2R model. According to MIIT data, their wheelbases are 3,950 mm (for the single-drive 4×2 model) and 3,350 + 1,350 mm (for the rear-lift 6×2R model) respectively.
Next, let’s look at the changes to the cab. First, all locally made Scania models in China come standard with the R-series cab, featuring a high-roof, flat-floor design. Compared to the previous PGR-series products, the roof of this generation’s cab is 170 mm higher, with a total height of 3,790 mm (excluding the deflector).
Previously, Scania’s main sales models in China were from the G-series (both GN and GH variants), whose cab space was smaller than that of the current R-series. With localization, Chinese users can now purchase the more spacious R-series at the price previously offered for the G-series – a far better experience for domestic customers.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that Scania’s localized models have both “additions” and “subtractions”:
- Addition: A sun visor is added to prevent glare during driving against the sun.
- Subtraction: The LED spotlights on the cab roof are removed, a change made to ensure the safety of other road users.
However, Scania has retained its unique and distinctive-sounding horn configuration; the chrome air horns are likely still imported components.
The Scania SUPER series, when previously imported, came with LED spotlights on the grille and the SUPER emblem – these features have been retained in the localized models. The bumper differs from previous models: the Chinese-made version comes standard with the European-style full-surround front bumper, plus an under-run guard below the foot pedals – a configuration never seen before on imported Scania NTG-series models.
In the past, LED headlights were only available on imported Scania S-series tractors. Now, the Chinese-made versions include LED headlights and fog lights as standard, providing excellent illumination for night driving.
The localized models do not have rear windows, just like the earliest NTG models introduced to China. This design enhances cab rigidity and provides better thermal insulation. However, considering the needs of specific application scenarios in the Chinese market, Scania has added a reverse camera as an optional feature for the domestic models.
A qualified European truck is incomplete without side skirts – and Scania’s China-made trucks also include this configuration. The side skirts are made of matte paint, with a design that complements the size of the front/rear mudguards and chassis accessories. Beyond improving aesthetics, the side skirts also reduce driving wind resistance and save fuel.
Both the driver’s and co-driver’s seats come standard with upgraded air-suspension seats. The driver’s seat features damping adjustment, tilt adjustment, height adjustment, and lumbar support; the co-driver’s seat lacks only the damping adjustment function, with all other features remaining the same.
Now, let’s uncover the interior of the Chinese-made models: the dashboard has been fully upgraded, adopting the same LCD screen setup as European models. The wraparound dashboard design ensures all controls are within easy reach of the driver. The steering wheel still offers a wide range of adjustment; the 4-spoke multi-functional steering wheel is made of vinyl material.
Both the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen have been fully updated: the previous combination of mechanical and LCD gauges, as well as the framed large screen, have been replaced with full-size all-LCD displays. For this generation of products, the instrument cluster delivers clearer visuals, while the central control screen matches the configuration of Scania’s high-end European models, featuring a rich UI with easy-to-operate functions.
Although the large screen integrates many functions, physical buttons have been retained to accommodate the usage habits of truck drivers of different age groups. For example, the air conditioning can be controlled either via the large screen or the physical buttons below; these buttons also handle functions such as volume control and screen power. Interestingly, the buttons form a single unit – pressing one button causes the entire row to move slightly, but without triggering accidental presses of other functions.
Scania has fully equipped the localized models with active safety features. In addition to the traditional lane departure warning and forward collision warning, the trucks are also fitted with lane departure warning with active correction and an electro-hydraulic steering system. As a result, the vehicles meet China’s high-speed limit regulations, with a factory-set speed limit of 110 km/h – effectively improving operational efficiency. We can also reveal in advance that the speed limit will be increased to 120 km/h in future versions.
Another interesting feature is the differential lock, which is specially added for Chinese models. Currently, all localized Scania trucks supplied to China are 4×2 or 6×2R variants, with only one drive axle – making the differential lock even more essential.
The rear sleeper shows little difference in appearance from the imported version: it is wider at the front, and the sleeper cushion remains 16 cm thick. However, the internal filling is less “springy” than that of the imported version – though the co-driver can now sleep comfortably on the rear sleeper while the truck is in motion. The interior, like that of the previous imported models, uses eco-friendly materials – even the smell inside the cab is identical to the imported version.
The mystery of Scania’s China-made trucks has been unveiled. Built on global factory standards, these models maintain consistent quality – in fact, they feel almost identical to the previous imported products, with even some unexpected additional features. Scania’s Rugao factory is about to officially start production, and more models with configurations adapted to the Chinese market will be launched soon. We will continue to track and report on the latest developments. If you are interested in Scania, be sure to follow our official WeChat subscription account for more information!
原创文章，作者：ctinsa，如若转载，请注明出处：https://www.ctinsa.com/truew/7103
