1961: The man behind the modular system

Sverker Sjöström becomes Scania-Vabis’ first technical director. An expert on strength of materials, he had been recruited to the company in 1947 to help solve quality problems. Dr Sjöström’s work provides the platform for Scania’s modular product system. Developed and refined during the following decades, it is to become one of the company’s most important success factors.

Corporate milestones

1891: Vabis is established 02 Mar 1891

Vagnfabriks Aktiebolaget i Södertelge (Vabis) is established in December 1891.

1897: First completely Swedish-built car 02 Mar 1897

The first completely Swedish-built car is born. The maiden drive takes place in early 1898.

1900: Scania acquires bicycle maker 02 Mar 1900

In 1896 the English bicycle makers Humber & Co had established a subsidiary in Malmö, Sweden.

1902: First truck 05 Mar 1902

Vagnfabrikens’ first truck from 1902. According to a 1903 exhibition catalogue, the truck could carry 1.5 tonnes of cargo and had a top speed of 12 km/h.

1905: First industrial engine 03 Mar 1905

Scania’s very first industrial engine is delivered to the fire brigade in Stockholm, Sweden, to be installed in a water pump.

1909: Adventurous 520 kilometre trip 03 Mar 1909

A Scania truck type E with a 24 hp engine undertakes the adventurous 520 kilometre trip from Malmö in the south of Sweden to the capital Stockholm.

1911: First Swedish-built bus 03 Mar 1911

Local operator Nordmarkens Automobiltrafik in the westernmost part of Sweden takes delivery of the first bus built in the country.

1911: Scania-Vabis is created 03 Mar 1911

Scania-Vabis is created, merging Maskinfabriksaktiebolaget Scania in Malmö and Vagnfabriksaktiebolaget i Södertelge under the leadership of Per Alfred Nordeman.

1912: First fire truck 22 Oct 1912

In 1912, Scania-Vabis delivered this fire truck to Norrköping, Sweden. It was equipped with a 4-cylinder, 60 hp engine. Maximum speed was 40 km/h.

1921: Financial difficulties 03 Mar 1921

The depression following World War One has a severe impact on Scania-Vabis. In 1921 the company runs into financial difficulties.