SINOTRUK manufacturer history
SINOTRUK milestones
SINOTRUK built its legacy on developing China’s first heavy-duty truck, and remains dedicated to innovation.
1960
With the launch of the Yellow River JN150 – an 8-ton heavy-duty cargo truck – SINOTRUK ushered in a new era for China’s automotive industry, finally enabling domestic production of heavy-duty vehicles.
1963
SINOTRUK successfully developed the Yellow River 350 dump truck.
1978
Assembled and produced Roman trucks using the SKD method. Over the next ten-plus years until 1991, more than 8,000 Roman trucks were produced.
1983
SINOTRUK officially signed a contract with Austria’s Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG for the introduction of Steyr 91 series heavy-duty vehicle technology. This project marked the first time that heavy-duty truck technology was approved by the Chinese government in China.
1985
China’s first domestically produced Steyr truck rolled off the assembly line at the Jinan Automobile General Factory.
2002
In August 2002, the largest heavy-duty truck axle production base in China was completed. Building on the foundation of the Steyr heavy-duty truck, SINOTRUK launched the Steyr King in October, representing a major step forward for the Steyr brand.
2003
SINOTRUK and Volvo signed a contract for a heavy-duty truck joint venture project, and the joint venture company was established.
2004
The launch of the HOWO series heavy-duty trucks marked a turning point for China’s heavy-duty vehicle technology, bringing it in line with international standards.
2006
A heavy-duty truck engine production line with internationally advanced levels was officially put into operation.
2007
SINOTRUK’s listing on the Hong Kong Main Board as a red-chip stock, under the name “SINOTRUK (Hong Kong) Limited,” marked its entry into the international capital market.
2008
The HOWO A7 was launched, setting a new standard in China with its innovative combination of a low-speed, high-torque engine, AMT, small-ratio rear axle, aerodynamic cab, and lightweight design.
2009
SINOTRUK and MAN of Germany signed a strategic cooperation agreement. MAN officially acquired a stake in SINOTRUK (Hong Kong) Limited, and SINOTRUK and MAN began comprehensive cooperation in the fields of complete vehicles, engines, chassis, and axles.
2010
Launched light truck products, expanding the product spectrum.
2012
SINOTRUK launched the MC series of engines, offering a power range of 140 to 560 horsepower. The MC series engines represent localized production following the introduction of engine technology from MAN.
2013
The first SITRAK heavy-duty truck, a result of SINOTRUK’s cooperation with MAN of Germany, rolled off the assembly line.
2015
China’s sole “National Heavy-Duty Vehicle Engineering Technology Research Center” was officially completed.
2016
SINOTRUK launched its first-generation intelligent truck, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including EBS, ESC, AEBS, ACC, LDWS, and HSA.
2018
The world’s first unmanned electric truck, manufactured by SINOTRUK, commenced trial operation at Tianjin Port. The truck incorporates advanced technologies including Beidou positioning, lidar, millimeter-wave radar, and multiple cameras and sensors.
2020
Guided by a commitment to forward-looking research and development and incorporating both advanced domestic and international technologies, SINOTRUK officially launched the next generation of “Yellow River” heavy-duty trucks in Jinan, with the goal of redefining China’s high-end independent truck market.