Norwegian drivers claim new Scania leaves them “freezing” in the cab

In a survey carried out by the haulier, 43% complained about cold conditions in the cab. It is believed the issue is down to a weakness in the insulation of a new Scania model, but neither Scania nor anyone else seems to have identified the source of the problem.

Harry Nilsen, general manager at Sørum Transport, has told Norwegian logistics website tungt.no that some drivers have even fallen sick due to cold drafts entering truck cabins.

Stein Aakerøien, Sørum Transport’s safety representative, says some lorries have been in and out of Scania’s workshops without the fault being detected. He claims the new cabins at Scania are “far worse insulated” than the previous model and that many cabins originally came without any form of insulation, and had to be re-insulated.

Scania have even used thermal imaging cameras to try to work out what might be causing the issue with Sørum Transport’s trucks. According to tungt.no, the manufacturer found one of Sørum Transport’s trucks to be colder than their reference model. However, the temperature was still within Scania’s specifications, and the company reportedly gave no reason for further improvements.

The situation has led to one Sørum Transport driver saying his current truck will be last Scania he drives:

If I drive this car for the next five years, I will be covered by disability insurance. I sit in a cold draft all the time, and notice on my body that this is not good. I have just given up hope, because it does not seem that Scania is seriously trying to find out what the problem is. I have liked Scania all these years, but this will be the last Scania I drive.

In response to the claims, John Lauvstad, communications director at Scania, has reiterated the company’s commitment to providing driver comfort. He told tungt.no that anyone who has issues should contact their local Scania facility to have the matter looked into.

Photo credit: Sørum Transport