Scania overhauls used trucks programme with launch of Scania Go

Scania is completely revamping its approach to used truck marketing under the Scania Go banner while second-hand stock is in short supply.

"It's true that we can sell every single used vehicle we can get our hands on the minute it arrives with us," said UK marketing director, Paul Smith. "We're looking to buy trucks, and we know there are not an awful lot out there.

"But this is not about today - it's about being ready for tomorrow," he added.

The second-hand market is notoriously cyclical, and empty dealer compounds can soon start to overflow as fleets take delivery of long-awaited new trucks, and rapidly dispose of their existing vehicles.

Key features of Scania's new approved used programme – Scania Go – include what the manufacturer refers to as a 'no quibble' replacement guarantee. It responds if the truck develops an electrical or mechanical fault during the first 30 days of ownership.

If that happens, then Scania will either swap it for another Scania Go vehicle or refund the customer's cash if the faulty truck's specifications are so unusual that a replacement cannot be found.

All Scania Go vehicles undergo a 300-point-plus mechanical and cosmetic inspection. Selected components are changed prior to sale if past history shows that they could fail soon.

The policy covers major items such as the engine's turbocharger as well as consumables such as oil and air filters. Any components that are replaced are covered by a 12-month warranty.

Another benefit is the 30-day 24/7 mobility guarantee under the Scania Max 24 banner. If a Scania Go truck breaks down during the first 30 days after purchase, and cannot be repaired at the roadside, then Scania Assistance will ensure that it is recovered to the nearest Scania dealership.

If it cannot be fixed within 24 hours, then Scania will either sort out a loan vehicle or pay up to £150 for each day the truck is off the road.

All trucks entered into the Scania Go programme have been regularly maintained by an authorised Scania workshop in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

There are three different grades of Scania Go truck. Grade one trucks are up to five years old, have covered no more than 450,000km to 550,000km, and come with a year-long driveline warranty.

Grade two trucks are up to four years old, have recorded no more than 300,000km to 450,000km, and are protected by a two-year driveline warranty.

Grade three trucks (no more than two years old and up to 300,000km) are instead supplied complete with a 24-month repair-and-maintenance deal for up to 480,000km so far as tractor units are concerned, and up to 300,000km if the vehicle is a rigid.

If the latter is being used on construction work however then the contract's duration goes down to 12 months.

Grade one vehicles are fitted with tyres with at least 5mm left on their tread. For grades two and three, the minimum increases to 6mm.

Scania is at pains to stress the availability of various different servicing and funding packages for Go trucks, including HP, finance lease and operating lease deals arranged through Scania Financial Services.

Go's roll-out is being accompanied by a major marketing blitz covering everything from point-of-sale material to a web site with a search engine among other facilities.