We will see that from many parts of Europe. We can already see it. And we will be able to take part in it, says Christian Levin about all defense orders to the bus and truck manufacturer recently.
"It's a sign of the times"
He points to the Swedish defense's order of 400 trucks, with an option for just as many more, which was finalized last week.
It's the largest deal Scania has made with the Swedish defense since the 1980s, he says.
It comes after similar large orders from Denmark and the Netherlands and ongoing orders from Finland.
It's a sign of the times. There are discussions with the defense forces, he says.
The Ukraine war has clearly shown how important it is to have logistics that function in war and crisis, according to Levin.
You must have access to transportation of medicine, water, fuel, food, and ammunition, he says.
How large a share of Scania that currently produces military products Levin does not want to specify:
I choose to say that defense deliveries are a business that will grow.
It's a significant part, which is important for us.
Scanias engines are also in Hägglunds Combat Vehicle 90 and combat vehicles made by Patria in Finland
Combat Boat 90, which the defense is purchasing, also runs on Scanias engines. So it also benefits our engine business.
"It feels positive"
The geopolitical development has, however, become more difficult, which spreads uncertainty among customers, he warns. It applies not least to the risk of full-scale trade war between the major blocks in the world economy. And the Traton company International would be hard hit by tariffs between the USA and neighboring Mexico.
Levin also notes that there are now question marks around the USA's willingness to defend NATO countries in Europe if they are attacked.
But the change of government in Germany – after last year's political crisis – looks promising according to Levin:
There, the incoming Chancellor (Friedrich Merz) has shown great decisiveness. It feels positive. He has already questioned the German debt brake and talks about large investments in both infrastructure and defense.
I think it's good – both for Germany, because it's needed – but I also think it will be good if Germany can return to being the engine of European economy.
