TEAMING UP TO DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY

In May 2020, Scania New Zealand established its business transformation team, a new department responsible for planning and actioning sustainably alongside day-to-day operations.

The department is headed up by Rob Covich, who has taken on the role of business transformation director, moving from his previous performance director role.

“This new department is all about supporting the business’ journey to transform and prepare for the sustainable future of our industry. Globally, Scania is moving into a transformation journey and adapting to the changing business landscape. I am proud to be leading Scania New Zealand’s efforts towards this goal,” Covich says.

The department has four main areas of focus. The first is performance, focusing on driver services, fleet care and connected service to reduce the fuel consumption and drive efficiency of Scania vehicles on the road today.

The second is digitalisation. Information development will continue to play an important role in creating efficiencies. Scania says its ongoing development of technology platforms and access to available data will be critical in helping customers maximise their businesses. “With a lot of the data available today helping us bring new services and products to market, we can eliminate a lot of waste in the transport system,” Alvarenga says.

The third area is the focus on ‘driving the shift’. This guides the development of new vehicle platforms and technologies for introduction into the New Zealand market. “We are prepared to bring new technologies to New Zealand and ready to deliver the services that go along with them,” says Alvarenga.

Finally, network development: “With our growth in New Zealand and the new technologies, we need to make sure that we have the proper network in future, and the decisions and actions need to start right now,” Alvarenga says.