Sinotruk’s record-breaking heavyweights pull no punches

February 29, 2024

Sinotruk is used to being an industry frontrunner, regularly breaking records in the Chinese commercial vehicle market. Despite being relatively new to these shores, the manufacturer has its sights set firmly on the prize: a significant portion of the local heavy truck market.

Just under a year-and-a-half ago, Sinotruk became the first manufacturer to export 10,000 trucks from China in a single month. A ceremony celebrating the achievement was held on Halloween, 31 October 2022, in Jinan, China. There is nothing spooky or supernatural about the company’s achievements, though: as a leader in China’s local commercial vehicle market, Sinotruk attaches significant value to the overseas market. The export business is a core focus of its strategic vision to become a truly world-class full series commercial vehicle group, and the company ranked first for Chinese heavy truck exports every year from 2004 to 2023.

The 10,000 truck mark was eclipsed as a line of 55 Sitrak heavy duty trucks was driven out of Jinan Comprehensive Bonded Zone, a 5.22-km² trade and import hub in the Chinese city.

Present at the ceremony was Sinotruk Group chairperson Tan Xuguang, as well as more than 300 overseas dealers, while customer representatives from over 100 countries attended the event via webcast.

The past few years have seen Sinotruk improving its capacity building with a major focus on brand awareness, after-sales service, and spare parts supply. This has resulted in significant and sustained growth in the export of the manufacturer’s heavy trucks.

Africa, along with Southeast Asia, is one of the markets where Sinotruk has been particularly well-received. Its heavy-duty model, the Sitrak, is aiming to make substantial inroads in the South African market with its blend of power, economy, comfort, and safety. DP World and Grindrod are two satisfied local customers to have already received bulk deliveries of Sinotruk’s heavyweight.

The Sitrak C7H 64480 TT AMT 6×4 truck tractor with spring or air suspension provides a powerful and economical option for South African operators. The Sitrak pulls no punches with its powerful and economical MC engine, which boasts a maximum output of 480hp (353kW) at 1,900r/min and maximum torque of 2,300Nm at 1,050 to 1,400r/min. The truck is not just about performance, though. Its advanced technology is complemented by a aerodynamic cab, while it also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to safety.

These stylish heavyweights are certainly not content to dwell on past glories, as Sinotruk is already lining up SA’s heavy truck market, aiming for a knockout blow.