In a groundbreaking move for the heavy vehicle industry, Scania has become the first truck manufacturer to incorporate reused components directly into its main assembly line in Sweden. This milestone was achieved earlier this year through the iReGear joint research initiative in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Scandinavian Transmission Service AB, with support from Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency.
The remanufactured gearbox underwent the same stringent quality and functionality assessments as newly manufactured gearboxes, utilizing a test rig designed for new components and evaluating over 100 quality parameters. Successfully meeting all required standards, the gearbox was certified to be “as good as new,” ensuring it meets the quality and performance benchmarks for Scania vehicles.
The remanufacturing process not only delivered a gearbox of equal quality but also demonstrated significant environmental benefits. This specific gearbox required about 50% less material and resulted in 45% fewer carbon emissions compared to new gearboxes. The automotive industry views remanufacturing, which involves reusing old parts to create high-quality new products, as a promising strategy for addressing climate objectives and promoting a circular economy amid growing resource scarcity.
However, the European automotive sector primarily focuses on remanufacturing spare parts for the aftermarket, representing only 1.1% of new manufacturing, as highlighted by a 2015 report from the European Remanufacturing Network. To increase adoption, vehicle manufacturers must integrate remanufactured components into their new vehicle production lines rather than limiting their use to aftermarket sales. The pioneering efforts of the iReGear project aim to catalyze this essential shift towards a more sustainable transport industry.
Fredrik Nilzén, Scania’s Head of Sustainability, praised the achievement, stating, “This remanufactured gearbox exemplifies how heavy vehicle manufacturing can evolve to become more sustainable, circular, and efficient while maintaining the highest quality standards.” Farazee Asif, an Assistant Professor at KTH, emphasized that this research provides compelling evidence for the viability of merging manufacturing and remanufacturing processes to create Circular Manufacturing Systems that optimize resource use, reduce emissions, and lower costs without sacrificing quality.
Ola Stålebo, CEO of Scandinavian Transmission Service AB, reflected on the significance of the project, stating, “For over 50 years, STS has been remanufacturing gearboxes, and this collaboration has challenged the notion that remanufactured parts are solely for the aftermarket. Our successful partnership demonstrates that sustainable technology breakthroughs are possible and that integrating remanufactured parts into production lines could soon become a reality.”
The iReGear project ran from September 2023 to May 2024 and was funded by Vinnova, coordinated by KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and involved Scania and Scandinavian Transmission Service AB. Scania is a leading Swedish manufacturer of commercial vehicles, renowned for its high-quality trucks, buses, and engines.
Founded in 1891, the company has built a reputation for innovation and sustainability within the transportation industry. Scania’s vehicles are known for their durability, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology, making them a preferred choice for logistics and public transport operators worldwide.
With a commitment to reducing environmental impact, Scania has been at the forefront of developing alternative fuel solutions, including biofuels and electric vehicles. The company’s global presence includes a vast network of production facilities, service centers, and dealerships, ensuring comprehensive support for its customers.
Scania also places a strong emphasis on safety, incorporating state-of-the-art safety features and technologies into its vehicle designs. Through its dedication to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Scania continues to lead the way in the commercial vehicle sector.
