Belt and Road boosts Sinotruck growth

Updated: Nov 28, 2018 chinadaily.com.cn Print

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In recent years, China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, or Sinotruck Group, a major Chinese truck manufacturer headquartered in Jinan, Shandong province, has been expanding overseas markets and accelerating its pace of internationalization based on technological innovation in response to the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Sinotruck live challenge final recently concluded in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, at which the group showcased its diesel-version T7H 6X4 tractors' gradeability and fuel-efficient performance in high-altitude areas with steep slopes.

The T7H 6X4 tractor, using a 540 HP engine, is widely recognized for its good performance in complicated and arduous traffic situations among transport companies and truck drivers in Yunan.

A total of 14 drivers from home and abroad took part in the final competition, which stretched for 83 kilometers 1900 meters to 2200 meters above sea level with continuous undulating sections.

Tusairy Binabaziz, a driver from Malaysia, said the T7H 6X4 tractor is easy-to-navigate and fuel-efficient.

"It's my first visit to China and I think highly of this competition. It offers me the chance to exchange with my peer from around the world and share experience and driving techniques."

Sinotruck has set up production and assembly bases as well as sales networks in dozens of countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Cai Guozhong, a sales manager from a Malaysian motor sales company, said that Sinotruck entered Malaysia’s market in 2008, and now holds the largest market share due to premium quality, outstanding fuel-efficient performance and reasonable price.

According to Li Yue, vice director of Sinotruck's publicity department, its sales in B&R countries and regions accounted for 47 percent of total sales in 2017.

"In the first three quarters of this year, Sinotruk achieved vehicle sales of 244,000 units with revenue reaching 86.76 billion yuan ($12.5 billion). It has also ranked in the first place in the export of heavy trucks in China for 14 consecutive years."