Recently, the first customer delivery ceremony for NEXT ERA — the new heavy truck model jointly launched by Scania and Traton Group — was successfully held at its dedicated delivery center.
With the official handover of the first batch of 20 NEXT ERA 6×4 tractors to end-use logistics customers, NEXT ERA heavy trucks reached a key milestone in mass production and market launch. Its dedicated delivery center also officially commenced operations simultaneously.
This important move not only marks the official entry of NEXT ERA into China’s long-haul heavy truck market and the start of large-scale market expansion, but also fully demonstrates its long-term commitment of “In China, For China” and its firm determination to deeply develop the Chinese market.
Notably, many of the first customers were frontline long-haul drivers who participated in the early pilot road tests. Their real-world feedback provided valuable input for aligning the product with industry demands and laid a solid user foundation for the nationwide rollout of the model.
First Deliveries Mark Full-Speed Launch of NEXT ERA
Themed “Drive into a New Era, Boundless Journey Ahead”, the ceremony embraced the spirit of progress and momentum of the Lunar Year of the Horse, expressing Scania Group China’s aspiration for win-win cooperation with logistics customers and a new chapter of efficient transportation.
As a core model tailored for the Chinese market, NEXT ERA was developed and launched based on the core needs of Chinese users from start to finish. Its localization practice of “speaking the language of China” is reflected in multiple distinctive details:
- The front face integrates design elements from Ding, a traditional Chinese ritual vessel, symbolizing unwavering quality commitment;
- For the first time, the truck features the Chinese characters “斯堪尼亚” (Scania), demonstrating long-term dedication to the Chinese market and the goal of jointly building a new benchmark for long-haul transportation.
The event coincided with the traditional Chinese solar term “Awakening of Insects”, a time marked by spring thunder and renewed vitality — perfectly matching the launch momentum of NEXT ERA.
“Awakening of Insects symbolizes a fresh start after preparation, which aligns closely with our strategy of integrating operations in China and deepening our presence here,”
said Ms. Camilla Dewoon, Executive Vice President of Scania Group and President of Scania Group China.
“This year, we formally established Scania Group China with a unified, efficient operating structure that optimizes local decision-making while upholding global standards. Today’s first batch delivery is a key achievement of this new structure, and it means we are delivering efficient, reliable and sustainable solutions for long-haul logistics customers at China Speed.
Just as a hero deserves a fine steed, every long-haul journey needs a trustworthy partner — and the NEXT ERA heavy truck is precisely that efficient choice for Chinese long-haul logistics users.”
NEXT ERA Delivery Center Officially Inaugurated
As a core touchpoint of the localized service system, the NEXT ERA Delivery Center provides full-process support for vehicle handover.
Covering over 200,000 square meters, the center can accommodate more than 4,000 trucks at once and is equipped with dedicated delivery offices.
As a key logistics hub, it connects seamlessly with Scania’s Rugao industrial base, enabling rapid nationwide distribution and strong operational support for the NEXT ERA dealer network, fulfilling the promise:
“Delivery is only the start; service continues throughout the journey.”
First 20 NEXT ERA 6×4 Tractors Officially Delivered
During the ceremony, customer representatives of the first batch shared their hands-on experience from early road tests and long‑term operation.
They agreed that NEXT ERA not only carries globally proven engineering technology but also understands Chinese road conditions and the cost priorities of Chinese logistics operators.
A representative from Shandong highlighted:
“The NEXT ERA heavy truck is like an expert in full-lifecycle operating costs, delivering significant savings in our real routes.
Take the typical 1,600‑km long‑haul route from Linyi, Shandong to Foshan, Guangdong: test data shows the vehicle saves approximately 1,200 yuan in fuel costs per round trip.
When scaled across the entire fleet, the overall operational advantages become even more substantial.
This reliability and efficiency are exactly what fleets need to compete confidently today, and I am convinced it will become our long-term trusted partner.”
Built for China’s Long-Haul Logistics Core Needs
Based on the TRATON Modular System (TMS), NEXT ERA is fully optimized for performance, tuning and intelligent driving experience with Chinese users at the center.
It features a new‑generation high-performance E/E architecture, laying a solid hardware foundation for advanced intelligent driving.
The smart cockpit deeply integrates the local digital ecosystem, with a 15.6‑inch central touchscreen, 12.3‑inch instrument panel, smart steering wheel and one‑button start system for intuitive, convenient control that eases long‑haul fatigue.
A deeply coordinated autonomous control system enables efficient in-vehicle data processing, fault prediction and rapid diagnostics, reducing operational risks at the source and fully meeting the core demands of China’s mainstream long-haul logistics market.
“Higher efficiency, safer and more reliable, more comfortable, and more profitable,”
emphasized Mr. Volker Hillmann, Executive Director and General Manager of NEXT ERA Heavy Truck Sales & Service.
“Supported by the newly built dedicated sales and service network, NEXT ERA will provide Chinese logistics customers with efficient full-lifecycle operational solutions.”
This innovative business model opens a new chapter for deep development in China:
researched in China, manufactured to high standards in China, built exclusively for Chinese users.
A New Journey of Win-Win Cooperation
The successful completion of the first customer delivery marks NEXT ERA’s formal entry into China’s long-haul freight industry, driving industry innovation and development.
As these heavy trucks — deeply adapted to China’s mainstream long-haul scenarios — enter service nationwide, NEXT ERA will continue to strengthen local R&D and its dedicated sales and service network.
Supported by a dealer network covering key national long-haul logistics arteries, the model will inject stronger momentum into the industry’s high-quality development.
Going forward, NEXT ERA heavy truck will stand side by side with Chinese logistics users, pursue win-win cooperation, and embark on a new journey of high-quality development!
