An interview for LDaily Håkan Jyde, CEO of Scania Ukraine, about the company’s work in war conditions, record results for 2024, changes in the commercial vehicle market and investment plans in Ukraine. Scania is not only maintaining its presence but also strengthening its support for key sectors, adapting to the new reality and remaining a reliable partner for Ukrainian hauliers
LDaily: Could you share the results of Scania Ukraine’s performance in 2024?
H. Jyde: In terms of sales volumes, 2024 was actually our best year ever in Ukraine since we established ourselves here back in 1993. With 769 new trucks delivered, we became market leader for the second consecutive year, with a market share of close to 33% when it comes to registrations by European heavy truck producers.
LDaily: What do you attribute such significant success to?
H. Jyde: We have managed to keep our team together. In the end business is about people, and it really comes down to everyone doing their part, not least our service technicians that go to work every day to support our customers at eleven locations in Ukraine, from Mukachevo in the west to Dnipro and Kharkiv in the east.
LDaily: How has the war in Ukraine affected Scania’s operations? How is the company adapting to market and logistics changes?
H. Jyde: The war has had a significant impact on the entire commercial transport sector in Ukraine, and Scania is no exception. The disruption of sea exports and a decline in key export industries, such as iron ore and grain, have compelled the entire logistics landscape to adapt continuously. In the early days of the full-scale invasion, we quickly reorganised our parts logistics. We established a temporary warehouse in the western region of Ukraine to ensure uninterrupted support for our workshops.
Despite the challenges — including the unfortunate loss of our workshop in Kramatorsk — our entire network has remained operational. The demand for commercial transport in our segment has increased, placing even more pressure on our organisation. But thanks to our decentralised structure, strong customer relationships, and a flexible, customer-oriented approach, we have continued to support our clients and maintain business continuity — even in the most uncertain times. Most importantly, we have kept the safety and well-being of our employees a top priority throughout.
LDaily: Have the key business development priorities in Ukraine changed?
H. Jyde: Yes and no. Our long-term priorities in Ukraine remain unchanged — we continue to focus on providing high quality, sustainable transport solutions and helping our customers operate efficiently and profitably. However, the way we approach these goals has undoubtedly become more dynamic and responsive.
Since the beginning of the war, we have seen shifts in the most active sectors: construction projects were largely put on hold, while fuel transportation, agriculture, retail, and long-haul logistics became more prominent. In response, we have adapted our operational focus and strengthened our service offering to meet the evolving needs of these industries. Uptime, service availability, and flexibility have become more critical than ever, and we are committed to being a reliable partner to our customers — regardless of the circumstances.
LDaily: You mentioned that since the beginning of the war you have seen changes in the activity of various sectors. What are the dynamics today? Do you see signs of a return to pre-war trends or is a new reality taking shape?
H. Jyde: Before the war, mining and construction were among the biggest segments. We see that they start to move now, although still slowly, and I expect that all kinds of construction as well as municipal infrastructure projects will increase tremendously once the active part of the war will be over.
LDaily: How would you assess the demand for commercial vehicles in Ukraine today?
H. Jyde: The demand is quite uneven and continues to be shaped by the realities of war. While some sectors — such as agriculture, infrastructure restoration, and humanitarian logistics — remain active, others are more cautious. Many fleets are postponing significant investments due to ongoing economic uncertainty and limited work across the entire rolling fleet in Ukraine. This has also led to a decrease in the price per kilometre, putting additional pressure on operators.
That said, we are seeing growing interest in vehicles that are reliable, fuel-efficient, and offer a strong total cost of ownership. In these conditions, our customers are prioritising smart investments — and we are focused on helping them make the most of every kilometre.
LDaily: Are you currently facing any logistical challenges?
H. Jyde: As a distributor, we have largely adapted to the new logistics reality. The challenges related to border crossings and import procedures were significant in the early stages of the war; however, we have adjusted our operations accordingly over time. Today, we are not experiencing significant disruptions and can ensure the timely delivery of parts and vehicles to support our network and customers.
LDaily: Scania is known for its environmental responsibility. How are the company’s “green” initiatives developing in Ukraine?
H. Jyde: Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Scania — and that commitment remains strong in Ukraine, even during wartime. We continue to promote fuel-efficient technologies, offer driver training programs that help reduce fuel consumption, and provide digital services that optimise fleet performance.
While the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles in Ukraine is still in its early stages, we are actively engaging with customers and stakeholders to prepare the market for a more sustainable transport future. Every truck we deliver today — if operated efficiently — is a step toward lower emissions and a more responsible transport system tomorrow.
LDaily: Are there any government initiatives or legislative changes that support the development of eco-friendly transport in Ukraine?
H. Jyde: Yes, there are positive developments. The government has introduced incentives for electric vehicles and is actively discussing further policies to support green transport in line with European standards. Ukraine’s path toward EU integration is encouraging a legislative shift toward sustainability, which we view as a promising opportunity for the transport industry in the long term.
At the same time, it is essential to recognise that during wartime, environmental priorities often take the back seat to more pressing needs. Nonetheless, we believe that laying the groundwork now — through awareness, dialogue, and collaboration — will accelerate the transition to eco-friendly transport as soon as the broader context allows.
LDaily: Is there a demand for electric and hybrid trucks in Ukraine?
H. Jyde: We are seeing growing interest, especially from companies that prioritise sustainability and want to future-proof their operations. While the market is still in its early stages — largely due to infrastructure limitations and broader economic conditions — conversations around electric mobility are becoming more frequent.
We have started receiving pilot inquiries and engaging in consultations with forward-thinking clients. As charging infrastructure develops and the overall business climate stabilises, we expect demand for electric and hybrid trucks in Ukraine to grow steadily.
LDaily: What innovative solutions does Scania plan to introduce in the near future?
H. Jyde: Globally, Scania continues to invest heavily in electrification, autonomous transport, and connected services. These innovations are shaping the future of sustainable and efficient transport.
In Ukraine, our near-term focus is on expanding digital service solutions — such as remote diagnostics, real-time vehicle monitoring, and proactive maintenance planning. These technologies help our customers maximise uptime, reduce operating costs, and make smarter fleet decisions. In a volatile and fast-changing environment, such tools offer real, tangible value and help businesses stay one step ahead.
LDaily: How has Scania’s service network in Ukraine changed?
H. Jyde: The war has certainly affected our network. We lost our workshop in Kramatorsk, which had been serving our key mining customers. In addition, the construction of a new facility in Mariupol had to be halted at the onset of the full-scale invasion.
Despite these setbacks, we made a conscious decision not to put our development on hold. Just a few months after the war began; we completed and opened a new workshop near Brovary in the summer of 2022. This was more than just an operational move — it was a clear message to our customers and partners: Scania is here, we continue to invest in Ukraine, and we are committed to supporting the country and those who keep it moving.
LDaily: What new services or products does Scania plan to offer to the Ukrainian market?
H. Jyde: We are continuously working to bring the latest generation of Scania trucks and powertrains to Ukraine — with a strong focus on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Even in challenging times, innovation remains a key part of our offering.
On the service side, we have recently introduced flexible maintenance contracts that take into account the specific conditions and operating realities in Ukraine. Additionally, we are developing financing and insurance solutions that are better tailored to the current business environment. These steps are part of our broader strategy to support customers not just with products, but with comprehensive, adaptive solutions that help them succeed.
LDaily: What are the main challenges Scania faces in Ukraine today?
H. Jyde: The main challenge, apart from the physical risks we are facing when operating in a war zone, is to keep our team together. Like all companies, we are affected by the mobilization efforts, and while it is becoming increasingly hard to find and recruit qualified staff, we need to prepare for the further scaling of our business that we expect when the active phase of the war will be over and major reconstruction projects will happen.
LDaily: Do you see new opportunities for the company’s growth in Ukraine?
H. Jyde: Absolutely. Even in the face of ongoing challenges, we see significant potential for growth in Ukraine. The future reconstruction of logistics infrastructure, the need to modernise fleets, and the shift toward more sustainable transport solutions all create meaningful opportunities.
As Ukraine moves closer to EU standards, we anticipate increasing demand for reliable, fuel-efficient, and low-emission vehicles. With our global expertise, strong brand reputation, and customer-centric approach, Scania is well positioned to make a significant contribution to this important transformation.
LDaily: What are Scania’s strategic goals in Ukraine for the next 3-5 years?
H. Jyde: Our strategic focus in Ukraine over the next few years is clear: to support our customers as they navigate change, to expand our service capabilities, and to strengthen our position as a leader in sustainable and reliable transport solutions.
We aim to grow our footprint through strong partnerships, continuous innovation, and an unwavering commitment to aftersales excellence. On the service side, our ambition is to become the leader in the Ukrainian aftersales segment — by expanding our network and introducing smaller, satellite workshop formats that bring us even closer to our customers.
Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine’s economy by delivering future-ready transport systems that are efficient, flexible, and aligned with the green transition.
LDaily: Does the company plan to invest in local production or new projects? If not now, are there plans for the future?
H. Jyde: Now, our primary focus is on maintaining operational stability and continuing to support our customers in what remains a highly challenging environment.
While local production is not currently on the agenda, we are continuing to invest in the Ukrainian economy by financing customers that are essential for critical infrastructure. Scania is the only truck brand in Ukraine that throughout the war has offered leasing and tailored financing packages based on total operating economy and long-term planning — despite the uncertainty in the broader business environment. What is remarkable is that our customers honour their commitments and remain loyal to the Scania brand, which reinforces our trust in the market.
That said, we do see potential for future investments — particularly in areas such as service network expansion, digitalisation, and sustainability-focused initiatives. As Ukraine moves forward with reconstruction and deeper integration with the European Union, we remain open to exploring new projects that align with our long-term strategic vision.
LDaily: Is there a shortage of skilled professionals in Ukraine? How is Scania addressing this challenge?
H. Jyde: Yes, Ukraine is currently facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals — a challenge that has intensified due to the war, migration, and mobilisation. According to recent studies, more than 70% of companies report difficulties in hiring, especially in sectors such as transport, engineering, and manufacturing. The situation is expected to remain critical over the next decade, and businesses are already competing for talent not only locally, but also with EU labour markets.
Scania Ukraine is no exception — we particularly feel the shortage of qualified service personnel, including mechanics. To address this, we are actively investing in long-term talent development. One of our key initiatives is close cooperation with technical and vocational institutions, such as our partnership with the National Transport University.
We also support social projects — including a retraining programme for women mechanics, which we launched in collaboration with the Swedish foundation Beredskapslyftet – Reskilling Ukraine.
In parallel, we are strengthening our employer brand by improving our employee value proposition, engaging in professional competitions, and highlighting our strong corporate culture and values. We are also preparing for the future by developing onboarding and support programmes for veterans returning to the workforce, and through our own leasing company Scania Credit Ukraine we are supporting the TYTANOVI veteran hub.
Ultimately, for us, it is not just about closing the skills gap — it is about building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient team that can grow together with our business in Ukraine.
LDaily: Could you tell us more about the Reskilling Ukraine project and Scania’s role in it?
H. Jyde: Reskilling Ukraine is a powerful initiative launched by the Swedish non-profit organisation Beredskapslyftet with the support of the Swedish government, private foundations, and businesses. Its mission is to help women and veterans in Ukraine acquire new professional skills and enter industries where qualified personnel are in short supply.
Scania Ukraine is proud to be one of the key partners of this project. Since 2024, we have been involved in training women to obtain Category C driving licences, including practical manoeuvring exercises with Scania trucks and courses on safe, fuel-efficient driving.
Most recently, we joined the “Automotive Mechanic” programme — an intensive course that introduces women to the fundamentals of vehicle maintenance and repair. The training combines classroom theory and hands-on experience.
Through this partnership, we are not only addressing the skills shortage, but also promoting gender equality, creating real employment opportunities, and contributing to the social and economic resilience of Ukraine.
LDaily: What key results have already been achieved within the project?
H. Jyde: The Reskilling Ukraine Drivers initiative has already shown promising results. As of October 1, 2024:
We see these numbers not just as statistics, but as individual stories of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. For Scania, it is a privilege to be part of a project that creates such a tangible impact — for the transport sector and Ukrainian society as a whole.
LDaily: What motivates you the most as the CEO of Scania Ukraine?
H. Jyde: I always tell my colleagues that right now we have the most important jobs that we will ever have. We have the power to keep the wheels rolling in Ukraine, and by doing that, we do not only support the current economy of Ukraine and guarantee critical logistics during the war, but we contribute to the resilience of our country and lay the ground for a brighter future.
LDaily: What have been the biggest challenges in your work over the past year?
H. Jyde: Safety for our staff is always our first priority. Although our business has developed well, making sure that conditions for our team of about 200 professionals throughout Ukraine are as safe as possible is always on the top of my mind.
