Sinotruk Howo: 21 years of development and growth

Over the past two decades, the heavy-duty truck industry has seen significant changes. While some brands have been under pressure, Sinotruk’s Howo brand has remained a strong player, adapting to industry demands and technological advancements.

Sinotruk’s Howo has become a leading heavy-duty truck brand in China. It was the first in the domestic market to produce and sell over two million units. This growth has also contributed to Sinotruk’s continued success in truck exports.

Howo has established itself as a reliable choice within the industry, known for its production scale and ongoing innovation.

Adapting to industry demands

Sinotruk launched the Howo brand at a time when China’s truck industry was expanding rapidly. The company set ambitious production targets and, by 2004, the first Howo truck rolled off the assembly line. This marked a shift towards aligning China’s heavy-duty truck manufacturing with global standards.

Howo introduced several industry innovations, including advanced engine combustion control, improved electrical circuit systems, and a single-stage reduction axle. These improvements helped Howo quickly gain traction in both domestic and international markets. By 2006, annual sales had doubled, and the brand began expanding abroad.

Over time, Howo continued to introduce new models, such as the Howo-7 and Howo-A7, which incorporated advanced technology. More recently, the Howo TH7 and Howo MAX introduced a 590hp natural gas engine, contributing to the development of high-powered gas trucks. The Howo T5G, China’s first fully electric autonomous container truck, has also been undergoing trial operations at Tianjin Port.

Investing in quality and technology

Howo’s ability to remain competitive is largely due to its focus on incorporating international truck technologies. In 2003, Sinotruk partnered with Volvo, adopting safety and suspension improvements to enhance truck performance.

By 2009, Sinotruk collaborated with German manufacturer MAN, incorporating MAN’s engine and axle technology. This allowed Howo trucks to integrate more advanced engineering while maintaining cost efficiency.

To ensure product consistency, Sinotruk adopted new quality control measures, focusing on production management and technical training. These efforts contributed to the launch of the Howo T7H and T5G in 2013, both of which became key models within Sinotruk’s range. Despite challenging market conditions, sales of these models continued to grow, particularly in 2015.

Expanding globally

Sinotruk has been exporting trucks since 2004, and Howo has established a strong presence in international markets. Its reliability has made it a preferred choice for infrastructure and transport projects worldwide.

Howo has also adapted to meet regional regulations and customer needs. In 2012, the brand exported 2,000 A7 trucks with Euro V engines to Brazil, aligning with strict environmental standards. The following year, Howo trucks entered Hong Kong, meeting stringent fuel and emissions regulations. By 2017, Howo had expanded to Europe, competing in markets traditionally dominated by long-established brands.

Looking to the future

Howo’s success has been driven by its adaptability and commitment to technological advancement. By integrating international best practices and responding to evolving market needs, the brand has maintained a steady presence in the heavy-duty truck industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, Howo will likely focus on further improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring it remains a competitive option for heavy-duty transport in the years to come.