With the rapid development of autonomous and electrified vehicles, Scania has planned to further its investments in Södertälje in a new test track to cater to the emerging demand. The aim is to begin the work during 2022, which is expected to last until at least 2026.
According to the company, the new facility will enable future vehicles to be tested and driven as a part of its research and development operations.
Anders Williamsson, Head of Industrial Operations, Scania, said, 'Our ambition is to be a leader within electrification of heavy vehicles and also strengthen our ability in autonomous vehicles over time. It will take large investments to stay at the forefront. We evaluate and examine the possibility to build a test track adapted for future vehicles to meet the demand in autonomous and electrification we see is on its way.'
Scania has recently completed a new foundry, and the work with a new building for battery assembly is ongoing, both located in Södertälje. Now, the vehicle maker plans for yet another investment of about 975 million SEK for a new test track, as well as an extension of existing ones.
'We continue to invest locally in Södertälje, to be close to the whole chain with production, development and testing. It is vital for Scania, but also important for the cluster of vehicles in the greater Stockholm region and for Sweden's ability to take lead in the development of sustainable transport solutions,' says Williamsson.