27 OCTOBER 2026
Scania inventors Henrik Birgersson and Magnus Nilsson explored a new approach that led to a family of patented inventions supporting fuel efficiency, lower emissions and more sustainable transport.
Getting there was not straightforward. Their journey involved years of testing, challenging established thinking and convincing colleagues that a different approach could deliver real benefits to customers.
It started with a question: could Scania make a step change in exhaust gas cleaning while allowing the engine to operate more fuel efficiently?
Since 2012, Henrik and Magnus have been involved in developing the Twin SCR system – an invention which makes more efficient use of the exhaust temperature and cleans harmful emissions from exhaust gases in two stages.
“The Twin SCR concept is an elegant ‘marriage’ between thermodynamics and chemistry,” say Magnus.
But there was another challenge. The filter that traps soot needs high temperatures from time to time to burn away the soot it collects. Their work also contributed to adapting the Twin SCR system to generate this heat when required.
This achievement was celebrated at the recent Scania Innovators Party.
“We contributed to enabling a fuel-efficient vehicle for our customers. That feels good,” says Henrik.
Henrik and Magnus’ invention was celebrated at the recent Scania Inventors Party.
Developing the idea was only part of the challenge. Henrik and Magnus also had to convince colleagues that their approach could work.
“It was not easy to get people on our side and make them understand the benefits. We did a lot of concepts, engine bench testing and simulations to show that there were clear benefits,” Henrik recalls.
The early development involved long hours of experimentation. With support from laboratory technicians, they built a test set-up using parts from an older system. It was far from perfect, but the results helped demonstrate the potential of their approach and gave them something concrete to show colleagues and management.
Getting people behind the idea became just as important as solving the technical challenges. Magnus recalls how discussions with fellow engineers helped refine the concept and encouraged others to contribute their own ideas.
“At the next stage you need to be a little bit of a salesman, which is a bit strange to say as an engineer. There will always be engineers scrutinising your idea. You have to say, yes, there are challenges, but look at the possibilities,” says Magnus.
Both inventors believe innovation needs an environment where engineers have the freedom to question existing solutions and explore alternatives.
Magnus emphasises that dedication alone is not enough.
“In order for an idea to come into a product and make a difference, that takes dedication and it takes good management. You won’t be able to make it on your own. Henrik and I have been a good core team, not always in agreement, but we have always trusted each other and strived towards a common goal,” Magnus points out.
For Henrik, the recognition is about more than one invention.
“I’m happy and a bit proud. I’m also very happy when I see other engineers with good patents. That means we have a company that is still driving innovation,” he says.
