25th July 2024

In times of economic uncertainty it is essential that transport operators get the very best from their investments.  That’s why Scania Financial Services (SFS) has developed a range of flexible funding solutions designed to add value and provide support every step of the way, as Finance Director Siobhan Tulinski and Sales & Marketing Director David Hickman explain.

“Scania’s primary core value is ‘Customer First’, and when it comes to tailoring bespoke funding solutions for our customers that describes our mindset perfectly – it’s all about the customer,” says Siobhan Tulinski.  “To explain that, its perhaps easiest to start by saying what we prefer not to do – and that’s offer a ‘vanilla’ product that does nothing more than provide funds in return for fixed monthly repayments over a fixed term.  As part of the Scania organisation we understand the highly specialised nature of transport operation. Accordingly, we appreciate each of our customers will have their own set of specific operational needs and demands.  As Scania’s dedicated funding provider we see our role being to meet these individual requirements, not only financially but also in ways which will benefit our customers’ businesses the most.”

For SFS, there are a number of ways in which its funding solutions can be enhanced to deliver an optimised service for its customers:

“Flexibility is the key here,” says David. “In the same way that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to transport operation, the same goes for the solutions we provide.  So if, for example, a customer is about to embark upon a new venture and cashflow is under pressure we can, subject to that customer’s credit situation, construct a solution with a low deposit, low initial repayments and VAT deferral in order to help them get going.  Similarly, if a company’s business has seasonal peaks and troughs – such as around Christmas time, or the coach operation where seasonality can have a big impact on cashflow – we can tailor a repayment plan to suit with lower repayments at off-peak times.”

In addition to cashflow easing solutions, there are other ways in which SFS can help:

“There’s also other situations where we can add real value, such as term extensions or short or long term vehicle rental,” adds Siobhan.  “This can be a massive help, especially when the unexpected happens – perhaps a new vehicle is delayed at the bodybuilder, or there’s a sudden surge in demand calling for an additional vehicle or vehicles.  SFS can draw on vehicles from the Scania rental fleet, so we are able to include these as part of the service we offer – for our customers, it means there’s no need to go elsewhere; it’s a completely seamless and hugely convenient service.”

An integral part of the world of Scania

“Another aspect to our business is the close working relationship we have with Scania (Great Britain) Limited, our dealer network and Scania’s headquarters in Sweden,” says David.  “That gives us unprecedented levels of access no bank or High Street finance operation could possibly match.  Over and above this, our team of Business Managers and support staff all have experience within the transport industry.  This breadth of knowledge gives us the ability to understand the needs of our customers’ businesses, and appreciate the challenges they face.”

“An additional benefit of being part of the manufacturer is the insight we have into product developments,” says Siobhan.  “This enables us to assist our customers with their forward-planning – and right now with the move to electrification gathering pace, planning for the future is an extremely important issue for the industry.”

“That’s absolutely right – for all of us the transition to a more sustainable transport system is a once-in-a-lifetime event.  That’s why it is so important for us to be in tune with the industry and maximise the benefits we provide through flexible funding solutions fully attuned to our customers’ needs, ” concludes David.

For more information on the range of services Scania Financial Services provides, call us on 01908 487 561 or request a call back.