News Features Archives

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Robert Heaney

Recent deliveries at Westward Scania

March proved to be another busy month for the sales team at Westward Scania. Our workshop and parts dept. have also worked tirelessly to get these units delivered to their new owners. Here’s just a few of the deliveries!

SVS Logistics S660 A4X2:

Based in Virginia Co. Cavan, Smith Vehicle Solutions are a market leader in High & Heavy Vehicle Logistics. This unit is loaded wall-to-wall with spec, with every driver comfort possible specified. Featuring a robust chassis and powerful engine, this S660 is built to handle heavy loads and cover long distances with efficiency and reliability. It was lovely to welcome Peter and Josie to the handover.

David Campbell Haulage G500 B10X4*6 Tipper

Roscommon based David Campbell recently took delivery off this sturdy 5 axle G500 Tipper. The Scania 5-axle configuration offers several advantages for the tipper set up. Increased Load Capacity, better stability, better traction and most of all, enhanced manoeuvrability. A massive thanks to David for his business and it was a delight to welcome Teresa and David to Westward.

TRIUR Construction Ltd. S660 A6X2

Triur Construction also took delivery of a Scania S660 Tag. Specialising in civil engineering projects throughout Ireland and the UK, Triur Construction are a market leader in bespoke civil engineering projects. A huge thank you to Triur Construction for their continued business and support.

Spollen Concrete:

Long standing Customer John Spollen has recently taken delivery of a Scania 5 axle G500 tipper. This tipper joins an already, highly impressive fleet. Established in 1975 Spollen concrete is a leading supplier of ready-mix concrete in the midlands. A big thanks to John for his continued business and we wish him every success with new Tipper unit.

Posted on January 23, 2023January 23, 2023 by Robert Heaney

New V8 Deliveries, Beirne Express & Moylan Construction:

Beirne Express Freight is a family-run business specializing in National & International Haulage. This new Scania 660 S series adds to an already impressive fleet. This Scania S cab, has all the driver comforts needed for doing trips across Ireland, the UK & Europe. A huge thank you to the Martin and all the Beirne family for their continued business and support over the years.

Moylan Construction & Utilities is a family-run business located in Tulsk, Co.Roscommon. With a total distance of 7 miles between Westward and Moylan construction, they become our nearest-ever sale of the New Generation Scania. Best wishes to Paul and all the Moylan family with the new V8 and we wish them every success with the new Scania.

Pictured below is Paul Moylan collecting the Keys of his new Scania off Eric Treacy.

Posted on January 13, 2023January 13, 2023 by Robert Heaney

Busy first week of deliveries

With January well underway the first week of handovers did not disappoint. The first unit we delivered was a Scania 660 tag to Robinstown haulage. This fully loaded 660 comes with the following spec, Durabright alloys, colour coded full catwalk, Perimeter kit, led headboard, colour coded top kelsa bar with six oval LED lights, Air horns, V8 Pack, and far too many more to list. Best wishes to Raymond with his new 660 and many thanks for the continued business.

Brian Grennan Transport have taken delivery of this special R590 Tag. Finished in J Grennan’s & Son’s livery, this blue tag certainly stands out. A lovely truck, that is specified to an incredibly high standard which is the norm for Brian Grennan Transport. A massive thanks to Brian Grennan transport for their continued business. Keep an eye on our socials for more updates from Grennan’s…

Posted on August 31, 2021August 31, 2021 by Robert Heaney

SCANIA Parts supplies hold up whilst Scania truck production is temporarily stalled.

A global chip shortage during the past year has caused a major delay in production and is now leading to complete production stops across the automotive industry globally.

This shortage was recently exacerbated by Covid outbreaks in countries where chips are manufactured and apparently is now causing the latest stoppages.

Scania is pausing production at its truck plants in Europe for the whole week.

Meanwhile many customer trucks that have been produced are being delivered to dealers without some “non-essential” components fitted. Westward Scania are currently managing to source the parts from Scania Spare Parts Logistics Centre and retrofit the components before the truck is finally delivered, but of course this is highly dependent on parts supplies coming through on time.

For now, Scania Parts logistics is performing extremely well at keeping the existing Scania Trucks, Buses & Coaches, Marine & Industrial engines working. Westward Scania and the Irish Dealer Network introduced new logistics routines and increased their spare parts stocks in advance of Brexit and by having this additional stock “on the shelf” is helping the situation for now.

Posted on October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 by Robert Heaney

Nicholas O Brien’s 650S 8X4*4

It was a happy day for Nicholas O Brien as he took delivery of one of the most unique 8 X 4’s in the country. As you can see from our numerous Social media posts over the past few months we were quite excited about this truck. Not many trucks warrant a post when they are at an “Incomplete” Stage. The post of the unfinished truck reached almost 1 million views!

Scania 650s Rigid 8x4*4 incomplete — Scania 650s Rigid 8×4*4 incomplete

The truck itself is a Scania 650S 8X4*4, which means the first and last axle steer, while the third and fourth axle are driven. The body system on the truck has the ability to change from a tipper to a flatbed body which Nicholas uses the majority of the time for transporting concrete blocks from his base in Roadstone County Galway. The truck has this swap functionality due to the quality work carried out by Thomas Small and Sons bodybuilders in Claregalway, County Galway. Nicholas explained to us how easy it is to perform a change of truck bodies and that he can complete the whole task in under eight minutes.

Same but Different:

Nicholas explained to us about his business and operation and where the love for Scania began.

I started off driving for my father over 20 years ago, driving Hino’s and after a few years of that, I branched off and went out working for myself. I’m with Roadstone now over 22 years. I got the first Scania in 2000 and haven’t looked back since

Scania 650 S Block Lorry — Nicholas 650 loaded with blocks in Clifden

Nicholas explained to me the differences between his older model 580 and his new 650.

A lad I know who had an R series tractor unit and he changed it for a NTG S cab, said there was no comparison between the old PGR model and current NTG. I didn’t believe there could be such a difference. But the way the new model truck handles the road, the quietness when you’re inside the cab and every other little detail is what really sets the newer model apart

When asked what was his favourite aspect of the NTG compared to the PGR series, Nicolas said:

“If I had to pick one difference I like the most it would have to be the improved steering lock. The lock on the 580 was great, I couldn’t fault it. But the lock on this truck is even better and I didn’t think that was possible. But all in all it’s a combination of every little detail, the truck is the same in terms of wheelbases and configuration but there is no comparison between the two trucks”

The new truck is certainly an eye-catcher

Nicholas explained to me how he is blown away by the reaction he has received on his new 650S.

My previous truck was a 580 hp Scania of the same 8 x 4 configuration, and I didn’t feel it got the attention it deserved but this new 650 I have now has blown me away with the amount of attention it has received. Between all the text messages, WhatsApp, and Facebook messages I am genuinely delighted.

Scania 650 S 8X4 Yellow — Scania 650 s 8×4*4

Eric and everyone at Westward Scania wish Nicholas all the best with his new Scania and we look forward to seeing pictures of this truck hard at work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more up to date posts. Why not build your own version of this truck like Nicholas did on the Scania configurator

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Karen Dorr

THE NEW V8 RANGE

Scania New V8 engines offer record level power and vastly improved fuel efficiency. The new V8 engines can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%. There are also potential fuel savings with the new G33 gearbox range in combination with new rear axle ratios. This provides real savings for the haulier and the environment.

Four new V8 engines with fuel savings of up to 3%
530, 590, 660 and 770 are industry leading V8 engines (2800 – 3700Nm Torque)
New faster rear axle ratios make these engines the most energy efficient ever by Scania
Low internal friction, updated Turbocharger and smart auxiliaries
Updated after treatment system
Alternative fuels; HVO possible on all new V8’s, Biodiesel available on the 590HP.
Driveline weight savings

“While shifting to fossil-free transports, we all must do everything to improve our current solutions,” says Alexander Vlaskamp, Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing at Scania.

The fuel savings are the result of extensive fine-tuning and development by Scania engineers. The 70 new engine parts help reduce internal friction, increase compression ratios and improve the after treatment system. These new engines are complimented by a new and powerful engine management system.

For more information on the new V8 range available from Westward Scania, contact:

Kevin on 071 9634504 or kevin.concannon@westwardscania.ie

Eric on 071 9634573 or eric.treacy@westwardscania.ie

Westward Scania also have a great range of V8 merchandise, click here to have a look.

Posted on September 8, 2020September 24, 2020 by Karen Dorr

Reeling in the Years with Scania 141

Reeling in the Years back to 1979 from the RTÉ archives, featuring the classic Scania 141 and a young 12 year old Gerard Keogh making his ‘dream come true’ by getting a chance to travel around Dublin in the mighty Scania 141. The classic look of the Scania Truck may have changed a bit over the years but the legendary reliability of the Scania has not.

This segment of ‘Youngline’ offered viewers the chance to write in and request for their dream to come true. Youngline was a once weekly, half-hour magazine show for younger viewers. This was Gerard’s week.

RTÉ’s Conor McAnally reports for ‘Youngline’ on 15 November, 1979. Check out this classic clip by clicking on the picture below.

Scania 141 RTE Archives — A trip around Dublin for a young truck enthusiast in 1979 courtesy of Youngline RTÉ.

Posted on August 13, 2020September 24, 2020 by Karen Dorr

Connectivity key to keeping the wheels turning in Co. Roscommon

Yesterday, our Managing Director Joe Crann spoke to RTE’s Fiona Alston as part of their Boost My Business initiative. Here is a copy of the interview:

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon is home to Westward Scania – importers, distributors and dealers of Scania trucks and coaches since 1976.

“We are one of the largest private importers of Scania products in Europe,” says Joe Crann. “They mostly own their own network throughout Europe, but we’ve remained as a private company.”

The company, which was founded in 1959, has seen more than its fair share of global economic issues so when the country shut down in March this year it was just another bump in the road.

Fortunately, business did not grind to a complete halt for Crann. The workshop and parts sales were deemed an essential business to transportation to keep trucks on the road.

“I worked from home and a lot of the staff working in sales were working from home – probably not having a lot to do most of the time,” he continues, “but the guys in the workshop were busy because trucks kept running – we could see that about 60% of hauliers were still running and were doing about 60- 70% of their normal mileage.”

With around 30% of the heavy truck market in Ireland, they did feel the pinch at the construction sites. “Trucks are very different to cars – the volumes sold are a lot smaller, but then naturally, they’re a lot more expensive to buy – it’s a much smaller market,” he explains.

One industry that has been greatly impacted by Covid is the coach industry. “The tour coach industry is absolutely on it’s knees. There are customers with maybe sixty or more coaches parked up,” says Crann.

“The only coaches really running on the roads today are Bus Éireann, they are probably our single biggest customer. They’re still running as a public service, but the private guys are absolutely in a terrible state,” he adds.

Sales had pretty much ground to a halt but slowly things are starting to pick up for that arm of Westward Scania. “We’re getting reasonable inquiries for the new year and we have ordered stock in from Sweden,” says Crann. “Look, we’re hopeful – I mean, we’re hopeful that we don’t go backwards.”

While many companies in the Connacht area are still awaiting decent broadband infrastructure, Crann had found himself very grateful of his ability to avail of a good connection in their rural location in the small town of Strokestown.

“All our staff have remained working. We still have some staff that we’re allowing to do some work at home,” says Crann.

With poor broadband in the area they had invested heavily in their IT and broadband. “If we hadn’t done that, we would have really struggled and I suppose we were fortunate that we’re big enough we could afford to do that. It is definitely an issue for a lot of small businesses. It’s something that really does need to be focused on by the Government. They need to make sure that the broadband rollout is carried through now more than ever,” he adds.

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Karen Dorr

The New Adventures of Vabis the Scania Truck

Earlier this year, Emer Conlon released the sixth book in her children’s Vroom-Town series. Titled ‘The Adventures of Vabis the Scania Truck and the Sleeping Volcano’, this book is a Scania Official Licensed Product and introduces a new Scania truck to the already endearing cast of characters.

When thinking of a name for the new truck, Emer thought that Vabis would be a nice ‘nod’ to the history of Scania. Vroom-Town is a wonderful place where all types of trucks live, work, play and have exciting adventures!

“I came up with the concept for the series even before Disney made movies about cars and planes,” says Emer Conlon. “The initial idea for the Vroom-Town books came from my day job as Marketing Manager of a Scania dealership in Ireland. I would see little boys and girls coming in to the forecourt with their fathers to collect their brand new Scania trucks. The children looked in awe at them and I thought I am going to write books about trucks!” Emer Conlon continues.

The books are written for children 2–7 years. The 2-year olds love the pictures and as they progress through the ages, and the older children, read the books by themselves. But, above all, Conlon loves doing storytimes in schools, libraries and corporate events – she has read to thousands of children in Ireland, the UK, Spain and the USA.

As with the other five books in the Vroom-Town series, the new book deals with social issues such as bullying and the importance of friendship and kindness, as well as taking the children on a terrific adventure. Kind and brave Vabis encounters new less benevolent adversaries during his adventures, but will he be able to save his friends?

“I get a lot of good feedback from parents and children – the excitement and engagement on their faces as I read the story makes all of the hard work worth it. That’s humbling. Hopefully, my books will contribute to attracting future drivers and dealers to the profession and indeed bring a ‘softer’ and positive side to the industry.”

This book is available from our webshop, click on the link below to find out more.

Posted on July 28, 2020September 24, 2020 by Karen Dorr

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