The diesel engine gives 40-45 percent efficiency not only at full load, but also on part load. A petrol engine may reach 30-35 percent, but perhaps only half of that at normal highway driving. Scania thus favours the diesel engine principle because of its high efficiency and development potential.

Using new technology and refined methods, Scania aims at making the diesel engine more efficient while at the same time reducing exhaust emissions. For its Euro 4 engines, the two engine technologies used are EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). The EGR alternative is the main route since it attacks emissions at source.

Scania is looking at taking the compression ignition principle further into the future – say 10 to 15 years ahead. One such high-priority research area for Scania is Homogeneous Charge Compressions Ignition (HCCI).