The transport solutions of the future exist today

At last week’s 16th World Congress and Exhibition on Intelligent Transport Systems and Services in Stockholm (ITS World Congress), the tasty parmesan cheese that was served at the Scania stand disappeared faster than expected. The congress and exhibition attracted a total of more than 7,000 visitors.

ITS World Congress Photo: Carl-Erik Andersson

Claes Åkerlund, Concept Manager, Driver Training, showing Scania Driver Support.

“Over 3,000 participants attended an ambitious programme of seminars and study visits during the week, and we certainly didn’t think this many people would visit our exhibition stand,” says Scania’s project manager Jamie Malmborg, Brand and Marketing Communications.

Animated journey from Rome to Stockholm

At the stand, a new R-series truck was on display. Meanwhile actress Jennifer Knipe guided visitors through a simulated animated highway journey, hauling parmesan from Rome to Stockholm. Along the route, visitors received information about all the support systems that help the driver to ensure a safe trip, including tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, the electronic stability programme (ESP) and lane departure warning.

Popular simulator

The biggest attraction for visitors to the stand was the Scania Driver Support system, which was recently launched as standard equipment in the new R-series. Congress delegates could test their own driving skills in a simulator.

“At the ITS World Congress, we have reached a target group that helps make decisions for the future,” notes Claes Åkerlund, Concept Manager, Driver Training. “We have shown the technology that exists today and been able to influence decision makers on traffic and environmental issues. Scania’s driver training and Driver Support systems are excellent examples of intelligent transport solutions.”

Transported by hybrid buses

As one of six main partners behind the Congress, Scania was deeply involved in the week-long event. About 1,300 delegates had an opportunity to ride Scania ethanol series hybrid buses that were made available for trips to technical visits, tours and dinners in the Stockholm region. Scania also invited visitors to its DemoCentre, and together with Green Cargo the company also demonstrated a climate-smart logistics solution that they had created for Swedish clothing retailer KappAhl.

“We really got out the message that Scania wants to participate in shaping future transport solutions,” explains Jamie Malmborg.

(2009-09-30)