Scania’s new WA account manager understands what operators need

Buses and coaches are more than just vehicles – they’re lifelines for communities, connections between cities, and the beating heart of public transport. But behind every great bus is a team of people who design, build and sell them. And if those people don’t truly love buses, we all feel the difference.

Think about it: Would you trust a chef who doesn’t like food? Or a musician who doesn’t enjoy music? The same applies to the bus and coach industry.

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When the people making decisions at manufacturers are passionate about the industry, when they’ve grown up fascinated by buses, or they genuinely care about passenger experience – everything changes.

That’s exactly why Scania’s newest Western Australia account manager, Darcy Grant, is such an exciting addition to the team.

With two decades of experience in the bus and coach industry, Grant isn’t just another hire – he’s someone who lives and breathes the industry. His deep understanding of what operators need, combined with his passion for delivering top-tier vehicles and service, makes him the perfect fit for Scania.

“Over the past 19 years working for McConnell Seats I have built up a strong working relationship across the bus industry and I understand what operators want and need from their vehicles,” Grant says.

Having spent years working closely with operators, Grant knows that a great bus is about more than just its engine or fuel efficiency, it’s about the people who rely on it every day.

“I am very excited and enthusiastic about joining Scania, after starting at McConnell Seats as an apprentice motor trimmer and then graduating to sales around eight years ago, I think now is a good time for a career switch into a new area and sell the whole product, not just one component,” he says.

Grant says he is familiar with the Scania brand through his previous role and will work hard to build relationships with operators out west.

“I will be moving to Perth to be a full-time representative for Scania Bus and Coach in that market, and I am confident that we can increase Scania’s footprint,” Grant says.

“Scania has a good reputation in WA, especially among mining customers.

“The Scania models have been successful in recent times, especially due to the growth in fly-in fly-out labour which necessitates transport of large number of workers to and from mining sites, often in arduous conditions.

“The Scania product is obviously more than capable of coping with these conditions; heat, long distances and dust.”

While buses are front of mind for Grant, he’s just as excited to switch up his location and experience a new way of life.

“As an outdoorsy guy who loves camping and fishing and footy, I can’t wait to get out west and start enjoying the lifestyle as well,” he says.

Grant’s expertise encompasses sales strategy development, client relationship management and market expansion. He will be spending a lot of time getting out to meet customers and prospects throughout the state, particularly family-run operators in regional areas.

One of his main goals will be explaining the advantages of doing business with a well-established factory-owned subsidiary that is staffed by expert factory-trained service technicians.

In the case of the Scania Touring School and Charter coach, he will also explain the benefits of purchasing a vehicle that is mass-produced on a Scania production line and is a Scania from bumper-to-bumper, bringing one-stop convenience to operators.

Scania says Grant’s innovative approach and dedication to excellence have consistently driven substantial growth and success in his previous roles.

“Darcy’s success has been attributed to his strong working relationship with his customers and delivering on what he has promised,” a Scania representative told ABC.

“He has a firm understanding on what customers require from their vehicles and is excited (as are we) to be the face of Scania in the West.

“Darcy will be backed by an experienced bus service and aftersales team in the Scania Kewdale branch, and he joins us just a few weeks ahead of the opening of a second Scania branch.

“The new division is in Hope Valley, near Fremantle, and underlines Scania’s commitment and investment to business in WA.”