Swedish Trucks (1947-today)
Swedish trucks are known for their quality, reliability, and innovation. Some of the most prominent Swedish truck manufacturers include Volvo Trucks and Scania. Both Volvo and Scania have a long history of producing heavy-duty trucks that are used worldwide for various applications, including long-haul transportation, construction, and distribution.
Volvo Trucks, a division of the Volvo Group, is one of the largest truck manufacturers globally. It produces a wide range of trucks, from heavy-duty long-haul vehicles to lighter distribution trucks. Volvo trucks are recognized for their advanced safety features, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort.
Scania, another major player in the Swedish truck industry, is renowned for its high-performance trucks. Scania trucks are known for their powerful engines, superior fuel economy, and customizable options to suit various transportation needs. Scania also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with many of its trucks designed to run on alternative fuels like biodiesel and natural gas.
Both Volvo and Scania trucks are widely used across Europe and in many other parts of the world. They compete with other major truck manufacturers like DAF, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz in the global market.
Intro: The inheritance of WW2
Sweden was one of the rare countries neutral during both world wars and this neutrality, sometimes threatened was ultimùately never put in doubt. Part of this was the relatively strong ground army and preparations Sweden maintained, albeit not on par or neither Nazi Germany or USSR during the last conflict. During the 1939 Finland crisis there were already pressures from the allies (France and Britain) to cross the land and provide weaponry to the beleaguered Finns, but this was denied. In addition to a sizeable
army of 80,000 well trained professionals and if needed, could raise a militia counting millions. On the armor side, since the Försvarsbeslut of 1936 stipulating the creation of two tanks batallions every five years, Sweden could present any potential enemy a full armored division, some 700 tanks strong: 215 L60, 220 m/41, and 282 m/42 backed with dozens of specialized vehicles and 36* modern armored cars for reconnaissance.
Still, Sweden maintained extensive trade relations with both the Allied and Axis powers. Sweden exported iron ore, ball bearings, and other essential goods, which were crucial for the war efforts of both sides. This trade was significant for Sweden's economy but also led to accusations of collaboration with Nazi Germany. The other side of this was of course production of trucks, both for the civilian market and to cover the needs of several motorized infantry divisions. On of them was a "universal" chassis 2x4 that was armoured, called the
Terrängbil m/42D SKP.
Volvo trucks
Volvo's production of vehicles for the private sector fell sharply in 1939-42, but sales of advanced cross country vehicles for the Swedish Army rose in contrast and more than made up for the former. The experience of developing cross-country military vehicles was to be of a great long-term benefit in design and production of other forms of rough terrain vehicles used in remote areas, for public services and construction postwar. In 1943-45, production of old-fashioned pre-war vehicles also increased dramatically, fault of a new design being studied.
Scania Trucks
Note: In development
Service
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