The launch ceremony for the construction of the Scania Rugao Manufacturing Base was held on June 10 in Rugao, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, according to local media reports.

The construction project includes a heavy truck production base with an annual capacity of 50,000 units, an engine plant and a research and development center.

The base is scheduled to be put into operation in 2024.

Founded in 1891 in Malmo, Sweden, Scania is one of the world's leading manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles. Scania's products are sold in more than 100 countries and regions around the world, and it has become one of the most profitable companies in the commercial vehicle industry with its technologically advanced modular systems.

Scania's manufacturing base in the Rugao Economic and Technological Development Zone is the company's third manufacturing base in the world after the ones in Europe and South America.

The establishment of Scania's manufacturing base will add vitality to the development of Rugao's auto and parts industry and have a positive and far-reaching impact on the development of Rugao's and Nantong's manufacturing industries, said He Yijun, secretary of the CPC Rugao Municipal Committee.

According to Ruthger de Vries, president of Scania Asian manufacturing operations, the manufacturing base in Rugao will shorten the delivery cycle and reduce operating costs in the region, and customers in the region will be able to enjoy customized products.