In keeping with a solid first quarter performance internationally, Scania was the stand-out sales performer in the heavy-duty sector in April, according to the latest numbers from the Truck Industry Council.
The Swedish brand made a notable move into second place with 131 sales, its best April in five years, and light years ahead of the 41 units it sold in the same month in 2017.
Although still in fifth spot in the sector for 2021, with a year-to-date tally of 349, Scania is closing fast on fourth-placed Mercedes-Benz which moved 98 units in April and now sits on 358 YTD.
In his latest comments, a positive Scania President and CEO Christian Levin sounded a very positive note regarding Q1 performance and suggests Scania is well placed to navigate the issues surrounding the semiconductor shortage through the mid-part of the year.
A local Scania spokesperson tells us that Scania continues on a positive path regarding local deliveries, and orders remain strong.
Meanwhile, Kenworth cemented its domination at the top of the sector, moving 200 units in April to sit on a YTD total of 697 and pinch a sizeable break on nearest chaser Volvo, which boasts 420 sales for the year after moving a relatively modest 106 units last month.
In the medium-duty sector Hino’s assault on Isuzu’s crown faltered slightly with 201 units moved versus the perennial leader’s 227, leaving Isuzu still comfortably clear on YTD figures, 801 vs. 705.
In the light-duty race, as expected Isuzu has the title all parcelled up yet again with a solid 473 units moved in April to bring its YTD tally to 1641.
Nearest chaser Hino recorded 268 units in the same month to bring its tally for year to 955.
Overall, there were 3215 sales of commercial vehicles in April, a slight dip on March’s red hot 3558 units, but still the best April numbers in the past five years, edging out 2017’s tally of 3151.