International outlook pays off with growing exports

Jinan-based truck leader Sinotruk, a subsidiary of Shandong Heavy Industry Group, has developed a unique path of internationalization for Chinese brands by integrating its product, market, channel and brand.

The company announced at the Sinotruk Global Strategic Partnership Conference on Aug 28 that the proportion of high-end products in its exports had increased from 2.7 percent in 2018 to 32 percent now.

The conference attracted more than 2,000 people, including domestic distribution partners, dealers and major customers from 55 countries and regions.

It was divided into five themed exhibition areas: new energy, intelligent technology, global market, commercial vehicles and high-efficiency power.

A total of 26 complete vehicles and 20 component models jointly made their debuts, bringing a cutting-edge product and technology feast to the commercial vehicle industry. It also expressed the strength and vision of open cooperation and creating a better future with global partners.

Over the past five years, Sinotruk has established a "triangular alliance" of marketing, technology and service through forward-looking analysis of exports. It has been the domestic heavy-duty truck export champion for 18 consecutive years.

Currently, it occupies more than 50 percent of the total sales volume of Chinese heavy-duty truck exports and has sold more than 500,000 heavy-duty trucks in over 110 countries and regions worldwide.

Sinotruk is responding to the Belt and Road Initiative and integrated into the dual-circulation development pattern, achieving balanced development in both domestic and international businesses.

In 2020, despite the weak domestic market due to the COVID-19 pandemic and cyclical downturn, Sinotruk continued to expand its overseas market.

The export of heavy-duty trucks increased from 30,000 in 2020 to 89,000 in 2022, maintaining first place in the industry for the export of heavy-duty trucks among domestic counterparts.

In October 2022, it surpassed the monthly export of 10,000 heavy-duty trucks, a record in China.

Tan Xuguang, chairman of Shandong Heavy Industry Group and Sinotruk, said at the conference that the group has been a pioneer in Chinese commercial vehicles entering the overseas high-end market.

The explosive growth of its overseas exports is the best result of its restructuring and reform.

In recent years, Sinotruk has used its advantages as a large group, strengthening synergy, promoting stable foreign trade and making efforts in both domestic and international markets.

Sitrak, Howo TH7 and other high-end products have gone global and competed in international market with leading heavy-duty truck products.

Ricardo Melesio, sales director of Mexico's Aite Group, stated in an interview that Sinotruk's heavy-duty trucks are popular in Mexico. They have good vehicle quality, cost-effectiveness and timely after-sales service, he said.

On Sept 6, a Sinotruk HOWO V5 truck drives out of the factory of UZ Truck and Bus Motors, marking the 3,000th Sinotruk vehicle produced by the company. CHINA DAILY