Scania Maintains Profitability Despite Lower Delivery Volumes in Early 2026
Strong service business and growing order intake supported performance amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Scania reported stable profitability for the first quarter of 2026 despite lower delivery volumes and an increasingly uncertain global business environment. The company’s results were supported by strong performance in its service operations and continued cost-efficiency measures.
Between January and March 2026, Scania’s net sales declined by eight percent to SEK 44.9 billion, compared with SEK 48.9 billion in the same period last year. Deliveries decreased by six percent to 20,978 vehicles, reflecting constraints in delivery flows and ongoing market volatility.
Nevertheless, the adjusted return on sales remained at a solid level of 11.0 percent, nearly unchanged from 11.1 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
Order intake grows despite market uncertainty
Total order intake increased significantly during the quarter, rising by ten percent to 27,318 vehicles. Demand in Europe started the year strongly but weakened toward the end of the quarter as economic volatility increased. The conflict in Iran contributed to uncertainty in global markets and added complexity to the operating environment for transport companies and vehicle manufacturers alike.
In Latin America, order growth was driven particularly by Brazil, where a government-supported loan programme for fleet renewal stimulated demand for new trucks.
Deliveries of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) continued to grow gradually. During the quarter, Scania delivered 130 such vehicles, compared with 104 units a year earlier. Orders for zero-emission vehicles more than doubled to 342 units.
Service business provides stability
According to the company, the service business continues to play a key role in maintaining financial stability during periods of fluctuating vehicle demand. This trend is highly relevant for transport operators, including those in the forestry sector, where uptime, maintenance services and lifecycle support are increasingly important factors in total operating costs.
“Scania performed well, with strong service momentum and solid truck orders, despite lower delivery volumes in the first quarter,” said Christian Levin, President and CEO. “Our focus on building resilience, including accelerating our presence in China and improving speed, efficiency and cost-competitiveness, is beginning to pay off, helping us navigate a volatile environment.”
Outlook shaped by uncertainty and transition
Looking ahead, market conditions remain uncertain due to geopolitical tensions, economic volatility and the ongoing transition toward zero-emission transport solutions. At the same time, demand for transport services remains fundamentally strong in many regions.
For transport companies in the Nordic countries and the forestry industry, the development of service offerings, fleet renewal programmes and alternative driveline technologies will continue to be key factors influencing investment decisions during 2026.
