For the first time in more than 30 years Scania Australia will not be exhibiting at the Brisbane Truck Show.
In a statement released yesterday, Scania stressed the decision to sidestep Brisbane next May had nothing to do with the impacts of the pandemic.
“In fact, Scania Australia has striven successfully to maintain a ‘business as usual’ posture towards our customers throughout 2020, bolstering sales and service functions and protecting customer uptime via our nationwide company-owned branches and network of authorised independent dealer,” said Dean Dal Santo, Director of Truck Sales for Scania Australia.
Santo said the timing of the show simply didn’t fit with some “other exciting activities” planned for the Australian market later in the year.
“As we look into 2021, we continue to see excellent business opportunities opening up and we have determined to focus our attentions on these,” he said.
“By maintaining a flexible and responsive stance, we aim to meet the needs of all our customers throughout the year, providing them with more of the highly-efficient, low emission, safe and productive vehicles and aftermarket services they need to be able to deliver for their customers.”
Scania becomes the second notable no-show in Brisbane after Volvo Group Australia announced its departure in September citing uncertainty around the pandemic as its reason for pulling out.
Show organiser, Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, isn’t unduly fazed by the loss of another drawcard on the main floor.
“We will miss any exhibitor that cannot be part of the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show, but the industry is going to come together regardless, and we will be ready to ensure that every visitor has a great, and safe, experience when they do,” said HVIA chief executive Todd Hacking.