The mid-range prime mover is to be sold alongside the P-series to customers seeking a safe, reliable fuel-efficient vehicle who don’t want to trade up to the technology and comfort of the new range.

“We have to be realistic and recognise that some customers don’t want or need the advantages the new series offers,” said Scania Australia National Manager Tony Kerr.

“The 4-series has been such a reliable and dependable truck that many customers have told us they don’t want to see it go.

“The beauty of a global manufacturer like Scania is that we can pick and choose our supplier from Scania Global Production – and it just so happens that the 4-series is to continue to be produced in Brazil.

“So this means customers can buy the same truck with the same quality for the same price as previously,” he said.

Two 4-series models will be offered in Australia – the P124 local prime mover and the P124 intrastate prime mover.

Mr Kerr said he expected the P124 to continue selling to its traditional market base – large fleets seeking a reliable prime mover where fuel efficiency and OH&S were priorities.

Both the P124 local prime mover and P124 intrastate prime mover are powered by the Scania DC12 14 12-litre engine producing 420hp (309kW) and 1550 lb ft (2100Nm) and fitted with Scania 14-speed transmission, 7500kg front axle, 19,000 kg rear axles, air rear suspension and drum brakes. The P124 local prime mover is fitted with a day cab, 3.42:1 rear diff ratio and 550 litre fuel tanks. The P124 intrastate prime mover is fitted with a sleeper cab, Scania Retarder, 3.07:1 rear diff ratios and 850 litre fuel tanks.

Scania Australia Managing Director Kaj Faerm said the decision to continue the 4-series was recognition that the economic circumstances were stacked against European truck manufacturers.

“While the price difference between the P- and R-series over the 4-series is only a few per cent, the way the economic winds are favouring the North American manufacturers at the moment, we felt compelled to offer buyers an alternative,” he said.

“We know it’s not prudent to base marketing strategies around exchange rates, however the size of the US current account deficit means the $US is likely to have a favourable exchange rate with $AU for the foreseeable future.

“And when you combine that with the elimination of tariffs from North American trucks and components from January 1, we needed to develop a strategy for those customers who might be tempted by the attractive pricing of our competitors.”