Mexico faces a structural problem in freight transport related to the average age of the fleet; according to data from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) , the average age of the freight fleet is 20 years, which means that there are units in circulation that are more than 50 years old .

Based on estimates from various analyses, the used heavy equipment market in Mexico ranges from 80,000 to 130,000 units annually . Meanwhile, the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA) projects that for every new unit sold, eight used units are sold.

SARMW , a firm specializing in leasing, marketing, and maintenance in the transportation industry, designed the first edition of the SARMW Truck Fest , where it will make available to the transportation sector its extensive portfolio, allowing entrepreneurs to access more modern and technologically advanced units than the industry average.

The SARMW Truck Fest will be held on August 13 at the El Reparo facilities in Allende, Nuevo León, where the objective is to bring together carriers from various regions of the country, who will be able to access tractor-trailers and dry vans that have the backing of SARMW quality.

TO REGISTER FOR THE SARMW TRUCK FEST, CLICK HERE.

In addition to the sale of transport equipment, there will be a suppliers’ fair that was planned to offer allied equipment and comprehensive solutions to transporters who come looking to renew their units.

Among the participating suppliers are CR3 Supply , Filtra Lub , TRA , Alesso (Cummins distributor) , Vigox , FIRO Allende Electrical Parts , MD Refacciones , Pulido Truck Parts , ThermoCarrva , Turbo System, HRC Components , and FORE Seguros y Fianzas .

In addition to the discounts and promotions offered by equipment and solutions providers, carriers attending the SARMW Truck Fest will automatically be entered into a raffle to win an additional discount of up to 50,000 pesos when they reserve a tractor-trailer .

With this proposal, SARMW fulfills its business vision: “ To be the best option nationwide in leasing, marketing and maintenance services , offering a tailor-made solution for the transportation industry.”

SARMW is a member of Zinergia, a business conglomerate that includes 16 different companies focused on offering solutions in the freight transport and logistics market, as well as in the field of technology.

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El cargo SARMW drives renewal in the trucking industry; presents Truck Fest apareció primero en T21.

For years, fleet monitoring consisted of knowing a vehicle’s location and reacting when an incident occurred. Today, the challenge is different: interpreting large volumes of information in real time to anticipate risks before they affect operations.

For María de los Ángeles Useche, Commercial Director of Total Protect , artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to accelerate this transition. More than just automating tasks, it allows for the simultaneous analysis of variables that were previously isolated, such as speed, routes, weather conditions, driver behavior, and road history, transforming them into preventative alerts that help in making decisions before an accident or attempted robbery occurs.

Useche told T21 that the main challenge currently facing transport companies is not the lack of information, but the ability to process it quickly.

“I would sum it up in one word: immediacy,” he stated.

He explained that AI allows processing large volumes of data virtually in real time , making it possible to handle a greater number of events without losing personalization in the service and reducing the margin of error that can exist in completely manual processes.

From reactive to predictive monitoring

The real change occurs when data stops being used solely to analyze what has already happened and starts being used to anticipate what might happen.

Predictive models allow for combining historical information with data generated during a vehicle’s journey. If the system identifies a tractor-trailer speeding on a road with a history of high-risk conditions and also detects adverse weather conditions, such as rain, the platform can generate a preventative alert and even communicate with the driver to request a reduction in speed before an incident occurs.

“Predictive data, along with additional layers of information, allows us to protect, care for, and prevent,” he noted.

Although many companies still associate monitoring with visualizing a vehicle on a map , the current operation incorporates much more complex elements.

From a monitoring center it is possible to interpret behavioral patterns, identify areas where robberies have historically occurred, recognize recurring signal losses and activate preventive protocols before an event escalates.

This accumulated knowledge allows analysts to understand the operational context of each trip and make decisions more quickly to protect both the operator and the cargo.

The integration of technologies such as geolocation , telemetry , video surveillance and data analysis significantly expands visibility over a fleet.

While geolocation allows you to know the location of a unit, video surveillance provides visual evidence and telemetry offers information on the vehicle’s condition, driving habits, possible maintenance needs and operational performance.

“If we combine geolocation, video surveillance, and telemetry, we can better understand how the vehicle is working and provide information that makes each trip safer, more efficient, and more profitable,” the executive explained.

Anticipating risks also improves competitiveness

Prevention not only reduces losses; it also strengthens operations.

Useche pointed out that anticipating risks allows for protecting the lives of operators, extending the useful life of vehicles, and offering greater certainty to customers regarding the delivery of their goods.

In a market where thousands of companies compete to offer a more reliable service, the ability to prevent incidents is beginning to become a competitive differentiator.

Currently, Total Protect monitors more than eight thousand cargo transport units and maintains a recovery rate of 95% , a figure that recently increased from 94 to 95%, according to the company.

Furthermore, it is already conducting tests to incorporate artificial intelligence in different areas of its operation with the aim of strengthening its monitoring capabilities and moving towards a model where the information not only allows knowing what is happening during a trip, but also anticipating what could happen.

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El cargo Total Protect is betting on artificial intelligence to anticipate risks in transport apareció primero en T21.

SAN MIGUEL AMEYALCO, STATE OF MEXICO – Over the past five years, the pickup truck segment (Light Commercial Vehicles – LCVs) has been one of the most dynamic in the automotive market. “In the first half of 2026, this segment registered a growth of 16.9% compared to the same period in 2025, in addition to being the second largest in volume in the Mexican market , and we see that it faces increasing competition,” highlighted Guillermo Rosales, executive president of the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA) , during the launch of the Isuzu D-MAX model .

Isuzu has a 100-year history in the automotive industry, 60 of which have been spent in the LCV market, where it has developed six generations of the D-MAX pickup. Now it arrives in the Mexican market with three versions: SE, HL, and DX , described Yoshihiko Watanabe, CEO of Isuzu Motors of Mexico.

Isuzu has had a presence in Mexico for 21 years, and the decision to enter the market was driven by the growth the Mexican market has experienced in this segment. “We are observing interesting growth in this market at a rate of 10 to 15% annually, so we expect greater acceptance of our diesel engine offering,” Hiroshi Ikegawa, president and COO of Isuzu Motors de México, told T21.

With the introduction of the D-MAX, Isuzu is venturing into the recreational or family vehicle sector , which until now had not been present due to its offering of trucks from Class 1 to Class 7.

From Ikegawa’s perspective, D-MAX’s presence is supported by a network of distributors that has been consolidated over 21 years in Mexico, where with 36 dealerships that translate into 43 service points and 40 authorized workshops of the brand , “we can serve at least 83 points in the Mexican Republic, there is no place where we do not have service from the brand.”

While there is no specific sales target for the D-MAX, Isuzu aims to reach 10,000 units in the Mexican market by 2030, with 7,500 trucks from the ELF and Forward families and 2,500 from the D-MAX range contributing, Hiroshi Ikegawa anticipated.

Although the mid-size pickup segment is one of the most competitive, with a presence from various Asian and American brands, Isuzu executives believe that diesel engines are a key differentiator , coupled with a focus on robustness in demanding global markets and extreme temperature conditions.

The D-MAX models that will be sold in the Mexican market are manufactured at Isuzu’s plant in Thailand, a mature market for this type of vehicle. ” The D-MAX models are present in more than 120 countries , feature the 3.0 diesel engine, and will meet the needs of Mexico, which is a very dynamic market,” explained Junichi Kubo, president of Isuzu Motors International Operations Thailand.

From the perspective of Yohei Kato, General Manager LCV Business Department of Isuzu Motors Limited, the presence of D-MAX opens a new chapter in Isuzu’s presence in Mexico, where the growth potential can be addressed.

Dual proposal

The D-MAX pickup enters the Mexican market with three cabs; the first, the SE Single Cab , is configured as a work tool, with 4×2 traction and manual transmission.

During the test drive designed to familiarize ourselves with the models, the ample space in the box was verified to maximize the cargo space of up to one ton, where the diesel engine guarantees proper performance in the demands of work activities.

The HL Double Cab version has manual or automatic configuration and 4×4 traction, so it has a dual purpose of being a work and family vehicle, or can be used for daily use.

The equipment in this version stands out with 17-inch wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a reversing camera and a rear differential lock, allowing for both on- and off-road applications.

The top-of-the-range version is the DX Double Cab , which features 18-inch aluminum wheels, automatic transmission, and the highest level of equipment, such as the ADAS Safety Suite, which, among other systems, includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Monitor.

All models were tested in on-road activities to check stability, performance, maneuverability and in the case of the DX the autonomous emergency braking could be tested, which would have prevented a collision.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Didier Ramírez Torres / @GrupoT21

El cargo D-MAX, Isuzu’s foray into the pickup segment; diesel engine, a key factor apareció primero en T21.

QUERÉTARO, QRO.- Diesel represents one of the main costs for trucking companies. Based on this premise, Michelin conducted “Challenge on the Road,” a test designed to measure, under controlled conditions, the impact that tire rolling resistance can have on a tractor-trailer’s fuel consumption .

The exercise brought together customers from the freight segment and consisted of comparing two new tractor-trailer trucks with the same mechanical specifications, the same load, the same mileage, and the same operating conditions. The only variable between the two units was the tires .

To ensure the objectivity of the exercise, the methodology was developed by the independent firm Innotran and validated by a notary public, while the fuel consumed was determined by weighing portable tanks before and after each trip.

Based on the measurements obtained during the test, the Michelin tires recorded an average fuel consumption of 11.7 kilograms, compared to 12.5 kilograms for the reference tire, a difference equivalent to a savings of approximately 7% in fuel consumption.

It should be noted that consumption was expressed in kilograms (during the test) because the fuel was measured by weighing portable tanks on a scale , before and after each trip, in order to obtain a more accurate measurement.

During the presentation of results, the organizers pointed out that these types of differences can translate into a reduction in fleet operating costs , although they specified that performance depends on variables such as operation, routes and the condition of each vehicle.

“The biggest expense for a fleet is fuel. We’re talking about millions of pesos in diesel. Having products that help improve fuel efficiency can represent a greater benefit than choosing a tire that initially seems cheaper,” said Juan Pablo Ríos y Valles Boysselle, Vice President of Communication, Sustainability and Public Affairs for Michelin.

The executive explained that lower rolling resistance allows the tractor-trailer to move with less effort, reducing energy demand and, consequently, fuel consumption. He added that this technology aims to improve efficiency without compromising aspects such as braking , safety, or tire durability.

According to Michelin, rolling resistance can also contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions, since most of these emissions during vehicle operation come from fuel consumption. Based on this logic, improving the energy efficiency of tires represents an alternative for advancing productivity and fleet decarbonization goals without modifying the vehicles’ engines.

As part of the demonstration, Michelin explained that the X Line Energy tire family was developed for long-haul freight transport. On the steer axle, the Michelin X Line Energy Z offers, according to the company, 13% more mileage over its original lifespan and lower rolling resistance compared to other options on the market. For the drive axle, the Michelin X Line Energy D boasts up to 35% less rolling resistance and 13% more mileage, features designed to improve the energy efficiency of the vehicles.

The company stated that these features are based on technologies such as the Dual Energy Tread Compound, Matrix sipes, and elastic belt—developments focused on reducing energy loss during travel without compromising grip, traction, or tire durability. It added that rolling resistance is evaluated according to the international standard ISO 28580 , and the acceptance of these solutions was also analyzed in a study conducted by Kantar among 420 fleets in the Americas.

Among the attendees were representatives from transportation companies and fleet users, who agreed that the total cost of ownership has become one of the main criteria for decision-making . René Lecea, Supply Chain Manager at FEMSA , highlighted that, given the economic challenges facing the sector, companies are seeking alternatives that strengthen the safety of their drivers and generate benefits in the total cost of ownership.

Similarly, executives from Autolíneas Regiomontanas and HERTRUCKS , among others, pointed out that reducing fuel consumption and optimizing cost per kilometer are increasingly relevant factors in managing their fleets.

During the day, attendees followed the development of the tests and the results obtained on the track in real time, an exercise with which Michelin sought to promote purchasing decisions based on measurable information and not only on the purchase price of the tire.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  / Correspondent /  @GrupoT21

El cargo How much does a tire affect diesel consumption? Michelin puts it to the test on the track. apareció primero en T21.

El cargo Solution or problem? Withdrawal of IEPS incentives puts the trucking industry on alert apareció primero en T21.

 The freight trucking industry in Mexico faces a shortage of more than 90,000 drivers , according to estimates from the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) . This challenge is compounded by increasingly volatile demand for services, which has led companies in the sector to strengthen their strategies to maintain their competitiveness.

In that context, Grupo GAL (a member of the Top 100 in Transportation® ) believes that talent training and the diversification of its services have been key to consolidating its growth during its first 30 years of operation.

Eduardo Quijano, deputy general manager of Grupo GAL, explained that the main challenge for the sector continues to be the human factor , which is why the company has reinforced its investment in its training center through simulators, school trucks, dormitories and training programs to incorporate new operators.

The executive added that, in addition to the talent shortage, the industry faces a market with a more irregular demand for transportation services, forcing companies to be more efficient and flexible to respond to the needs of their customers.

In that context, Quijano highlighted that one of Grupo GAL’s main achievements has been expanding its value proposition beyond transportation. Since 2007, the company has incorporated a distribution center with the capacity to store eight thousand tons of perishable goods , which is currently undergoing a 20 percent expansion.

This evolution allowed the development of a Logistics as a Service (LAS) model , with which the company offers solutions that integrate transport, storage and distribution, according to the needs of each client.

“The great achievement of the business has been finding a service network that adapts to the diverse needs of customers,” he commented.

When defining Grupo GAL in one word, Quijano chose “resilience ,” asserting that the company has overcome various economic cycles thanks to financial discipline, the constant renewal of its fleet, and a philosophy of continuous improvement.

Currently, Grupo GAL operates a fleet of 400 vehicles , supported by a strategy focused on asset renewal and continuous improvement. For Quijano, maintaining a modern fleet is essential to guarantee service quality, meet customer needs, and strengthen the company’s competitiveness in an increasingly demanding environment.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Training and diversification, key to facing the challenges of the trucking industry: Grupo GAL apareció primero en T21.

In its 2025 Global Driver Shortage Report, the  International Road Transport Union (IRU) identifies that nearly two-thirds of trucking companies in Mexico face severe or very severe conditions in recruiting qualified drivers. This is in addition to a 14% shortage in this labor segment in the country.

In the case of Grupo HG Transportaciones, the objective of addressing the shortage of operators is not a strategy that was generated to address the urgency; HG University has been operating for about 15 years, and over time it has been evolving.

“The operators’ university represents a strategic element within our business strategy. It is the source of human resources to achieve the growth we are experiencing,” described Gilberto Ochoa, general director of Operations at Grupo HG Transportaciones, in an interview with T21.

According to the executive, the university currently has a staff of 80 operators , which allows it to meet the growth needs of its clients, as well as the projects for acquiring new fleets.

One point highlighted by Eric Mijares, manager of HG University, is the institution’s capacity to generate qualified operators with skills and attitudes aligned with the group’s objectives.

“We hire people with a certain profile and after a program of 12 to 14 weeks they are ready to drive a vehicle on a short-course circuit,” Mijares described.

While there are various institutes and training centers, having our own university allows us to offer institutional programs. “We’ve given it greater formality, a stronger structure, a more rigorous learning methodology, and above all, we’ve focused on a very important aspect: precision. In other words, we design maneuvers that help our students develop skill and precision. And we also prioritize road safety , which is crucial,” added Mijares.

Currently, HG University has three campuses : the first at the new facilities of HG Transportaciones in Dulces Nombres, another at Auto Express El Charqueño in Escobedo, and a third at Linda Transportaciones in Apodaca. “These are three centers where we generate, according to the needs of the different business units within the group, the resources to support those needs,” explained Gilberto Ochoa.

Proper configuration

The IRU report also identifies that the shortage of operators has effects on various phases of the business; in the case of Mexico, companies report an increase in operational delays , as well as reduced productivity.

One of the areas where Mexico faces complexities, as reported by at least 57% of companies, is the effect of having a less qualified workforce of operators.

To reverse these elements, the goal of HG University is to combine theoretical and practical training through the implementation of the APEX simulator, which allows maneuvers to be performed in a controlled space, “with blind side maneuvers, visible side, transmission and the accompaniment of a tutor, which in the last stage allows us to familiarize ourselves with the recognition of kilometers, In addition, emphasis is also placed on the type of service we offer to each of the clients adding their location,” described Mijares.

Once these stages are completed, the operator is assigned productive trips accompanied by a university instructor. Then, in the eighth week, they begin visiting real clients, but still as students. After 12 to 14 weeks, the operators have developed a sense of responsibility.

“The fact that an operator is a university graduate and that we give them the opportunity to work and often to venture into the transportation industry, generates a very strong sense of belonging to the organization,” Gilberto Ochoa stated.

The training model promotes inclusion; today , the Grupo HG operator staff includes 25 women who have graduated from HG University.

Another tangible benefit of this business model is that in the last three years, the accident rate has been reduced by at least 60% for the group’s operations, a result that is aligned with training efforts.

Currently, of the operator staff of approximately 1,200 operators, at least 700 are graduates of the University.

Ongoing training

In addition to the training model for new operators of the HG Transportaciones Group, the HG University focuses its efforts on updating the current staff of collaborators.

“We have a permanent training model for all operators, with three components: operator training, feedback sessions when minor incidents occur, and updates,” Eric Mijares explained.

This last model is the one they applied with the incorporation of the new Freightliner Cascadia 5th Generation units, where in addition to the immersion that Difrenosa makes with its technical training, the training schemes of the University allow deepening the knowledge of the new technologies.

“Having units like the 5th Generation Cascadia allows us to promote the road safety model, by having safer tools, with a certain number of sensors that greatly help in the approach and warn the operator even when he is fatigued, when he is tired, this type of unit also helps us a lot with fuel savings, which is a relevant factor,” Mijares considered.

From Gilberto Ochoa’s perspective, the addition of the Cascadias units allows operators to have high-performance, efficient vehicles . And it is precisely the training model that allows them to understand the additional components of this new vehicle within a joint strategy that we must develop together with Difrenosa to achieve maximum benefit.

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El cargo Grupo HG Transportaciones “revolutionizes” operator generation strategy apareció primero en T21.

While the Mexican heavy vehicle market registered a 45.5% growth in wholesale sales during June and an accumulated advance of 3.1% in the first half of 2026 (1H26), Scania Mexico assured that it will maintain its investment strategy in infrastructure and after-sales to support fleet renewal and prepare for the next growth cycle of the sector.

Although the economy kept the heavy vehicle market under pressure during the first half of 2026, and the sector expects to close the year with volumes similar to those of 2025, the company decided to maintain its expansion plan. Some indicators in the United States show signs of recovery that could eventually be reflected in Mexico, noted Jorge Navarro, Commercial Director of Trucks and Buses at Scania Mexico .

In that context, the executive stated that the company has not stopped its investments and continues to strengthen its service network to be prepared when the market regains greater dynamism.

“We continue to grow in branches, we continue to expand bays, and we continue to prepare for the future that is coming. This is a very cyclical industry,” he emphasized.

As part of that strategy, Scania is building a new branch in Mérida of approximately five thousand square meters and 10 service bays , which will replace the current facilities and allow a significant increase in service capacity in the region.

For his part, David Hernández, national manager of Corporate Accounts and Used Vehicles at Scania Mexico, indicated that the macroeconomic environment has made fleet renewal more relevant for transport companies.

In that context, he explained that the brand promotes trade-in schemes , through which it receives used units as part of the acquisition of new vehicles to facilitate the modernization of fleets.

Regarding after-sales service , Hernández added that the new facility in Mérida will triple the installed capacity of the current branch, which today serves an estimated fleet of between 300 and 400 trucks and buses on the peninsula.

The commitment to expanding its infrastructure is also supported by the brand’s continued performance in the Mexican market.

According to figures from the National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor-Trailer Manufacturers (ANPACT) , Scania sold 122 tractor-trailer trucks wholesale in June, representing an 8.1% market share in that segment. Furthermore, it maintains its leadership in the intercity bus market, with 316 units sold during the first half of the year, equivalent to a 50.1% market share.

With this, the Swedish brand seeks to strengthen its customer service capabilities and support its clients during the fleet renewal process, while preparing its service network to respond to a potential market recovery.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Karina Quintero  / @GrupoT21

El cargo Scania Mexico maintains its expansion plan despite slower growth in the heavy goods sector apareció primero en T21.

The freight transport industry has a cost structure that constantly puts pressure on its operations. In the case of tires, beyond their cost, they are a factor in achieving greater efficiency and productivity.

Throughout this journey, Prometeon has spent more than five years implementing its own technology, as well as further research and development, which has resulted in more than two thousand tires under constant testing and 1.8 million kilometers traveled .

Among the findings is that Prometeon tires have offered between 15 and 18% better mileage performance  compared to the brand’s previous generation of tires, in addition to contributing to fuel savings for Mexican transporters.

In this context, Prometeon has carried out a global rebranding of its tires. “Pirelli will not exist in any of the portfolio configurations, from 2029 onwards. Some products in the H line will be discontinued in 2028; we will be among the last regions to implement this transition,” commented Martín Armagno, CEO of Prometeon’s Latin America division.

In this process, some products will continue to be marketed under the Pirelli brand until 2028 and certain specific segments until 2029. Once the process is complete, the Pirelli brand will cease to exist in the truck tire business, while Prometeon will fully assume the operation and marketing of the freight and passenger transport offering .

“Mexico is one of the last markets where this transformation is being implemented, allowing us to take advantage of the experience previously gained in Europe, Brazil and other countries where the rebranding has already begun,” Armagno added.

Today, beyond the rebranding, the company is working to address the most important factors for the transportation sector, such as fuel consumption . “We know that carriers have faced pressure on this cost, and today, through our tires, we seek to provide that benefit through the use of our products,” explained Alejandro Hernández, Market Quality Manager for the Latin American region.

Prometeon’s progress in the Mexican market has been consistent. To align with this branding process, “Ambassador” fleets were established , and some distributors also operate under the same model . Through these distributors, the company is advancing the process of adapting its products to the Mexican market and further developing its technologies, explained Daniel Peraza, the brand’s commercial director.

The fact of also defining the distributors as “Ambassador” is the market’s understanding that they are the ones who directly serve owner-operators and small and medium-sized fleets, who understand their needs and who can capture the acceptance that the customer is having on the issue of changing the brand.

“The customer today already knows the product, they are already using it in the fleets, in the different operations in which we are present, they already know what the performance and benefits are that they are obtaining with our product,” highlighted Daniel Peraza.

In all these elements, a boost for the brand is being a supplier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Kenworth , which, according to the executives, adds to the conquest of the market, especially when in Mexico it is so fragmented.

Expanded market

While the transition from Pirelli to Prometeon is a process that is still underway, in practice, Prometeon has been actively involved; since 2022 all products have been developed by this brand and not by Pirelli.

“This means that our entire product development team is 100% focused on improving our product, using engineering developed in-house. In other words, we no longer depend on outdated technologies,” explained Alejandro Hernández.

With that knowledge, Prometeon has now expanded its portfolio with the addition of a Tier 3 tire. “Anteo is a brand that complements our product portfolio,” Daniel Peraza stated.

This tire complements Prometeon’s offering, expanding the proposal for carriers, with Prometeon in Tier 1, Nextroad as Tier 2 and now with Anteo in Tier 3.

“This offer allows us to stand alongside carriers and help them reduce their costs, mainly through fuel savings and improved tire performance,” Peraza added.

The Anteo tire will be available on the market in sizes 11 R22 and 11 R24.5, in both steer and drive tires, for on- and off-road use.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Didier Ramírez Torres  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Prometeon maintains “alignment” in the Mexican market apareció primero en T21.

In an environment marked by global economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and a national fleet with an average age of around 19 years, specialized financing has become a strategic tool to promote the modernization of Mexican road transport.

Manufacturer finance companies have ceased to be merely a credit provider and have become a business partner capable of understanding the operational needs of the sector and designing solutions tailored to each type of carrier, explained Rodrigo Clemente, general manager of Scania Finance Mexico , in an interview with T21.

“Customers use their bank lines of credit to meet operational needs, cash flow, or investments. That’s why, when it comes to acquiring transportation equipment, the manufacturer’s financing plays a fundamental role,” he said.

Unlike traditional banks, branded financial institutions understand the economic cycles of the sector , the seasonality of operations, and the specific characteristics of each customer segment, the executive explained.

It is precisely because of this close relationship that more flexible plans can be developed during periods of volatility, and companies can be supported when they face adverse market conditions. “We experience the same difficulties as our clients. When the sector is doing well, we are doing well; when it faces challenges, we understand them and seek solutions,” Rodrigo Clemente emphasized.

One of the challenges facing the industry, Clemente acknowledged, is to eliminate the perception that the financial area represents a barrier to closing deals.

In this area, Scania Finance is working on an internal transformation aimed at streamlining processes, strengthening digitalization, and offering a more efficient customer experience. The goal is to maintain effective risk management without hindering business opportunities.

“We make our living by approving deals, not rejecting them. If there’s financing, there are sales and growth for everyone,” the executive stated.

Pre-owned vehicles, a strategic priority

One of Scania’s most important announcements was its commitment to the used vehicle market, a segment that Clemente considers essential to sustaining the growth of new vehicle sales.

The finance company works together with Scania Mexico ‘s commercial area to develop specific products that facilitate the acquisition of used units, particularly for small transporters and independent operators looking to start or consolidate their business.

According to the executive, the firm’s knowledge of its clients allows for a more accurate evaluation of financing operations in this segment, which is traditionally more complex for conventional financial institutions.

“Pre-owned vehicles are a priority on our agenda. We want to offer competitive solutions and streamlined processes so that more owner-operators can formally and sustainably join the market,” he said.

Renewing the fleet, the big challenge

One of the main structural problems of Mexican road transport continues to be the high age of the vehicles.

While in other markets renewal occurs more rapidly, in Mexico the average age of the fleet is approaching 19 years, a situation that directly impacts operating costs, efficiency and equipment availability .

Many carriers still perceive renewal as an expense and not as an investment capable of reducing maintenance costs and improving productivity, Rodrigo Clemente inferred.

“We need to demonstrate with numbers that a new vehicle can be more profitable than continuing to allocate resources to units with high repair costs and long periods of downtime,” Clemente recommended.

This proposal is complemented by the comprehensive solution, in which the carrier can concentrate in a single monthly payment the financing of the unit, insurance, allied equipment and even maintenance services.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Didier Ramírez Torres / @GrupoT21

El cargo Scania Finance develops a proposal to boost renewal in the road transport sector apareció primero en T21.