Scania have released their 2008 year end report. Results on group level included an all time high operating income of SEK 12,512m (2007: SEK 12,164) and a net sales increase of 5% to SEK 88,977m (2007: SEK 84,486). Despite success on group level, figures for Scania buses and coaches were less positive.

Order bookings in this sector fell by 12% to 7,191 units (2007: 8,154) during the full year. In Europe, demand decreased by 21% compared to the previous year. The general downturn in Western Europe primarily related to the Spanish and Irish markets. In central and eastern Europe, a downturn in Poland was partly offset byincreasing demand in Romania and Russia.

The company's bus and coach deliveries totalled 7,277 units (2007: 7,224 units). In Europe, this increase was mainly attributable to the Nordic and Italian markets. During the fourth quarter, deliveries dropped to 2,029 units (2007: 2,142) and net sales went up by 11% to SEK 2,427m (2007: SEK 2,191). Net sales rose 10% to SEK 8,186m (2007: SEK 7,429).

In the fourth quarter, order bookings for buses and coaches were 29% lower than in the same period of 2007. Demand was down in Europe and Latin America, whilst figures increased slightly in Asia and other markets.