From Scania! NEXT ERA Heavy Truck Officially Launched in China – What Makes It Different?

As one of the world’s largest and most competitive commercial vehicle markets, China imposes extremely high requirements on product personalization, scenario adaptability, and total cost of ownership (TCO) control. Rooted in the Chinese market, Scania has put forward its long-term commitment of “In China, For China”. In 2022, Scania and Traton Group launched a special initiative aiming to deeply explore the technical ecosystem and innovative business models of China’s heavy truck industry. Today, these plans have borne fruitful results.

On November 24, Scania, in collaboration with Traton Group, officially released the NEXT ERA tractor series tailored specifically for the Chinese market. Leveraging Traton’s modular system concept and in-depth understanding of the local market, the NEXT ERA is developed exclusively for China’s highly competitive long-distance transportation market, set to reshape the industry’s value benchmark. So, what exclusive attributes does the NEXT ERA possess? What historical mission does it undertake? After reading this article, we believe you will find the answers.

Chinese “Ding” – Inspired Exterior: High Recognition

The first impression of a vehicle comes from its exterior: the NEXT ERA breaks through traditional frameworks with a design language that integrates Chinese elements and global trends. Centered on a “Ding” (ancient Chinese ritual vessel) – shaped front face, the vehicle creates a stable yet futuristic visual effect through a highly integrated front grille and cleverly matched vertical trim strips on both sides.

Notably, the NEXT ERA features the Chinese characters “斯堪尼亚” (Sikanniya) on the front face for the first time, fully embodying Scania’s long-term commitment of “In China, For China” and demonstrating its sincerity in deepening its presence in the Chinese market.

The diamond-shaped air vents on the front grille balance heat dissipation functionality with aesthetic expression. Combined with a partially closed design, they effectively optimize aerodynamic performance and reduce the drag coefficient.

The LED headlights adopt a surrounding daytime running light design, which not only enhances illumination performance but also increases vehicle recognition.

The roof marker lights feature a vertical structure that complements the smoothly transitioning roof lines, further optimizing the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.

The NEXT ERA first appeared in the 399th batch of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s “Announcement”, and its brand-new exterior sparked considerable discussion. Aesthetics are subjective, but objectively speaking, the NEXT ERA is highly distinctive, integrating the traditional characteristics of Scania and Traton Group with a sense of future and technology, while embodying profound Chinese genes.

Robust Power System & Comprehensive Product Matrix

Targeting the complex actual operating conditions in China, the NEXT ERA is equipped with the TD13 series inline-six diesel engine. Built on Traton Group’s Common Base Engine (CBE) architecture, this engine has been specially calibrated for China’s complex road conditions and high-frequency operational needs, delivering strong power and low fuel consumption.

According to official data, the TD13 series inline-six diesel engine has a maximum output power of 500 horsepower and a peak torque of 2550 N·m, combining robust power with excellent fuel economy. In terms of the transmission system, the vehicle is matched with an advanced gearbox and the CCAP (Active Predictive Cruise Control) system, which can intelligently adjust vehicle speed and gears based on real-time road conditions. This significantly improves the operational efficiency of long-distance trunk line logistics and further reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Furthermore, the NEXT ERA series plans a comprehensive product matrix, including 4×2, 6×2, and 6×4 tractor configurations, to meet the needs of different scenarios such as express delivery, cold chain logistics, and general cargo transportation. Notably, the NEXT ERA series is promoted through an independently operated exclusive sales organization – NEXT ERA Sales & Service – which is building a dedicated sales and service network with an initial plan of approximately 80 outlets and 150 service vehicles. This initiative further enhances the user experience while offering high flexibility.

Low Drag, High Safety & All-Round Cab Upgrades

In terms of the cab, the NEXT ERA adopts a high-strength, lightweight frame structure that meets the requirements of Europe’s strict ECE-R29 collision safety regulations, achieving top-tier passive safety performance in the industry. The entire vehicle incorporates multiple low-drag designs, and when paired with a dedicated trailer, the drag coefficient can be as low as 0.37cd, providing technical support for efficient operations.

Inside the cab, the NEXT ERA aims to create a comfortable and efficient mobile workspace for drivers. Its internal space is approximately 15% larger than the previous generation, and combined with a flat-floor design, it offers a more spacious driving and riding environment. The electronic and electrical architecture has also undergone a comprehensive upgrade, with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central control touchscreen, creating a more comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience that meets the expectations of younger truck users for intelligent and humanized design.

Summary

At the launch event, the prices of the NEXT ERA series were announced: the 4×2 Pro version is priced at 539,000 yuan, the 6×2 Pro version at 566,000 yuan, and the 6×4 Pro version at 588,000 yuan. This price range directly targets the core market of domestic high-end heavy trucks, demonstrating strong competitiveness. With the triple advantages of its global R&D system, strict quality control, and localized pricing, the NEXT ERA series sets a value benchmark in the new track of “imported technology at domestic prices”. This will not only have a significant impact on China’s high-end heavy truck market in the 500,000-600,000 yuan price range but also highlight Scania and Traton Group’s strategic determination of “In China, For China”, driving the industry towards a new round of product and technological competition and upgrading. As the NEXT ERA series begins delivery in March next year, the competitive landscape of China’s high-end heavy truck market may undergo a major transformation. Let’s wait and see!