Scania was the first company in the transportation industry to set and get approved Science-Based Targets in line with the Paris Agreement. Our targets are set on our own operation and on the products we deliver when operated by our customers. These targets are fully aligned with our corporate targets – and have an impact on all decisions across our business areas, from production and logistics to product development and sales priorities. 

How do we reach the targets?

It will take time before infrastructure, suppliers and customers are fully prepared to move over to fully electric solutions. For this to be completely meaningful the whole ecosystem must be green. The electricity should come from non-fossil sources. The batteries must be of high quality, long lasting, have a second life and be recyclable and just as important, the batteries must be produced by environmentally friendly methods and material. The charging infrastructure must be in place to meet the different needs of operation and transport. Our customers need a solution that offers a good business case, both affordable and reliable.

In addition to electrical vehicles Scania has products available to reduce the CO2 emissions by up to 90% by using renewable biodiesel or gas. Let’s make use of these solutions here and now, while in parallel we continue to invest in electrification of our ecosystem and develop competitive electrified offerings.

(Source: Scania )

An advantage with biofuels is also that it can easily be produced locally in Taiwan. This opens up for new job opportunities at the same time as it lowers the dependence on import and unnecessary freight, leading to a self-sufficient sustainable society.

Across the world we see more and more examples of markets that implement biogas-solutions that contribute to a green and circular economy. 

(Source: Scania )

As an example, this Scania bus in Bristol UK is run by recycled waste from sewage, food, household, manure which has been used to produce biogas. Scientists concluded that the waste from 1000 persons can power a biogas bus for a year. It also creates local jobs for 1-3 persons per bus. It solves problems with waste handling and allows fossil fertilizers to be replaced by bio fertilizers left over from production. It is really a win-win-win solution and for sure circular economy at its best!

Opportunities in Taiwan

It's also very inspiring to see Taiwan’s investment and developments towards green energy and to find the interest from more companies to join the Science based targets (SBTi) in the Paris Agreement. 
 
However, it's not only by shifting to biofuels that we can bend the curve and reduce our CO2 emissions substantially. By developing our powertrains and optimizing our vehicles we can also increase energy efficiency and by that achieve even more CO2 reduction.
 
One proof of Scania being in the absolute top position when it comes to this, is that we won the ‘Green Truck’ title for the fifth consecutive year. This prestigious press test competition is organized by two leading German trade magazines and over the years has become something of a world championship in transport efficiency for long-distance trucks. 
 
These award-winning solutions are all part of the offerings we have to our customers in Taiwan. Scania has introduced the Euro 6 engines already in 2018 in Taiwan, 3 years ahead of the legal requirement and close to 1500 are already on the road in Taiwan. Measuring particle emissions, the Euro 6 is eight times cleaner than Euro 5 and has a tremendous effect on people’s health.

A strong customer demand

In Taiwan we feel a strong drive from many of our customers, they want to be part of the solution for the future and at the same time they want a profitable business. It is possible to achieve both. Together with our customers we find efficiencies through optimized specifications and by securing efficient driving. Scania Ecolution is a tailor-made partnership between the customer and Scania, with the sole purpose to maximize vehicle fuel efficiency.

A goal achieved and maintained long term through ongoing driver training, digital coaching, and optimization of vehicle and fleet. In combination with Scania Fleet management system, customers achieve operation follow up, their sustainability goals and increased margins.

600 customers in Taiwan have the Ecolution agreement including driver training and 6 months driver coaching, with additional 4% fuel saving. 

One customer located in Keelung, with 17 Euro 6 trucks, has measured their fuel savings to 18% and annual CO2 reduction reached 460 tons. Their CO2 saving is higher than the CO2 contribution of one DaAn Park which generates around 389 tons per year.

Collaboration in society and between industries is key. Together we can drive the shift and get momentum, nothing happens without momentum. It’s only our collective action and our unwavering commitment that will create meaningful change. Not tomorrow, not next week. Now - and with speed.
Let's drive the shift!

 (This piece reflects the author's opinion, and does not represent the opinion of CommonWealth Magazine.)

About the author：

Michaela Boye is the Managing Director of Griffin Automotive Limited, Taiwan. She has a Mechanical Engineer degree from Mittuniversitetet, Sweden. She is leading Scania Taiwan to drive the shift to sustainable transport solutions, offering the latest technologies and solutions to customers for transportation of goods and people throughout the life cycle of the vehicles. Before joining Scania Taiwan Michaela was Managing Director of the global Scania Assistance organization, coordinating 220,000 customer cases per year in 50 countries.

Have you read?

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