Scania plans to invest 975 million SEK (£765m) in a new test track in Södertälje, Sweden where future autonomous and electric vehicles can be trialled and driven as a part of Scania’s research and development operations.
“Our ambition is to be a leader within electrification of heavy vehicles and also strengthen our ability in autonomous vehicles over time,” said Anders Williamsson, head of industrial operations, Scania.
“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 work on a new building for battery assembly is ongoing, both located in Södertälje. Now, Scania also plan to build its new test track on the site, as well as an extension to 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,” added Williamsson.
If Scania’s application to the count administrative board is accepted, the company aims to begin the work during 2022, and it expected to be completed by 2026.
