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Scania launches stylish double-decker for UK

SODERTALJE, Sweden, Jan. 13, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Scania broadens its range of complete buses with a new double-decker tailored to suit the needs of the UK market. The high quality and smooth and friendly exterior styling provide added prestige for operators.

"We have great hopes that the OmniCity double-decker will take a sizeable chunk of the double-decker market, which currently amounts to 1,100 units per year," says Hans Hansson, MD of Scania Omni, Scania's subsidiary for the design and manufacture of complete buses.

"Demand for double-deckers is steady and healthy in Britain. Our high-quality product is very flexible and therefore has great potential. We can also offer attractive maintenance schemes via Scania's extensive sales and service network in Britain."

The new double-decker has been developed by Scania in Sweden in close co-operation with major British operators and Scania's British sales and service organisation.

The double-decker is based on the Scania OmniCity, an ultra low-floor city bus that has sold well in many countries across Europe since its introduction in 1996. The OmniCity's smooth, rounded shape with a large glass area set a trend for city buses that has since been followed by several other manufacturers.

"The new double-decker has all the makings of becoming another trend-setter. The exterior is uniquely smooth and coherent, with large tinted windows that provide a light and airy interior," says Hans Hansson.

"The OmniCity double-decker has a unique dual-purpose capability. The overall height of only 4.21 m means that the bus qualifies as a `low-bridge double-decker'. Yet it meets the full interior height required by `Transport for London' on both decks."

"Clever planning of the interior layout provides rapid passenger circulation combined with greater seating capacity than competing buses on the market. The all-aluminium body saves weight and adds passenger capacity, while being easy to repair and recycle.

"The Scania OmniCity is a highly competitive product with an enviable reputation for fuel economy and longevity. It sells well in several countries, including Scandinavia, Italy and France, as well as Britain.

Scania's Omni range of complete buses covers urban, suburban and intercity applications. The fully modularised range is powered by Scania 9-litre Euro 3 diesel engines with ethanol and gas versions as options. All models feature aluminium bodywork built on a sturdy aluminium structure.

Service support can be tailored to the needs of individual operators. As part of a maintenance agreement, the local Scania representative can take over the servicing of an entire bus fleet either at Scania service points or on the operator's premises.

For in-depth information, pictures, illustrations, etc., see www.scania.com, News Centre.

Scania is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. With 29,100 employees and production facilities in Europe and Latin America, Scania is one of the most profitable companies in its sector. In 2003, sales totalled SEK 50.5 billion and income after financial items was SEK 4.6 billion. Scania products are marketed in about 100 countries worldwide and some 95 percent of Scania's vehicles are sold outside Sweden. Bus chassis production takes place in Sweden, Brazil and Mexico. Bodybuilding takes place in Poland and Russia.

Scania press releases are available on the Internet, www.scania.com

Scania is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. With 29,100 employees and production facilities in Europe and Latin America, Scania is one of the most profitable companies in its sector. In 2003, sales totalled SEK 50.5 billion and income after financial items was SEK 4.6 billion. Scania products are marketed in about 100 countries worldwide and some 95 percent of Scania's vehicles are sold outside Sweden. Scania press releases are available on the Internet, www.scania.com

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CONTACT:
Scania Omni
Ken Tarnstrom
tel. +46 70 3623600
email ken.tarnstrom@scania.com 

Scania (Great Britain) Ltd
Geoff Bell
tel. +44 797 4957748
email geoff.bell@scania.com