After taking the lead in the establishment of Scania Truck Rental in the United Kingdom, Anna Marie moved to Brisbane with her husband Ian in 2010 to set up a similar operation for Scania here. Scania Truck Rental has been extremely successful for the business and Anna Marie added management of the Scania national used trucks business several years ago. “I do like a challenge and I was fortunate enough to be offered this State Manager role by our Managing Director, Mikael Jansson,” Anna Marie says.

“Scania is more about quality, diversity and culture than any organisation I know,” she adds.

“I am a team player and I believe honestly that you are only as good as your team. If you make them strong and make them confident then people can do anything. Things will only change if we make them change and we all embody that. I am passionate about Scania and honestly I feel so proud to work for this company,” Anna Marie says.

“Since 2010 we have built up the rental fleet to around 120 vehicles and we operate ideally at 92% utilisation, although of late this has pushed up to 96%. Truck rental is a great opportunity for drivers or operators to try before they buy, and to provide cover at times of peak demand. We have seen many rental customers convert to purchase either the trucks they’re renting or order new trucks, having had a very successful experience with not only the product, but the service we provide at Scania.”

In Queensland Scania operates two company-owned branches, one at Richlands and the other at Pinkenba, with more than a dozen independent authorised service and parts dealers spread strategically through the state. Scania imports and sells heavy duty trucks, buses and marine and industrial engines in Queensland as well as offering truck rental and used truck sales, along with the increasingly popular Scania contracted repair and maintenance services. Scania branches are set up to service and maintain trailers and auxiliary equipment as well, providing a full one-stop-shop service which assists with reducing downtime for combinations, and enhancing operator productivity and profitability.

“We have highly trained and very enthusiastic teams working out of Richlands and Pinkenba,” Anna Marie says. “We can see the Scania footprint growing in Queensland, with high-efficiency trucks delivering exceptional fuel economy. Our cost of ownership is very impressive and in line with the expectations of modern fleet operators. Recently we have delivered a new fleet of Scania 540 hp six-cylinder prime movers to Simon National Carriers who will be benefiting from the vehicles’ class-leading safety, engine and environmental efficiency and advanced driver technology, all of which will provide a positive impact on their total operating economy,” Anna Marie says.

“Now that I have greater responsibilities, I plan to get out to meet all of our dealers in the coming months, and spend time with retail customers across truck, bus and engines divisions, as well as working to improve still further our parts and services offer to assist in increasing uptime and profitability for our customers.”