From huge loss to "champion": China National Heavy Duty Firefighters four doors
In the heart of Shandong Province, 25 kilometers from Jinan lies Zhangqiu, a city known for its historical and cultural significance. Among its many attractions is Qingquan, home to Baimai Spring—a place celebrated for its abundant natural springs. In mid-June, I embarked on a drive from Jinan to Zhangqiu, witnessing numerous construction sites along the way, reflecting the region's rapid development. The journey led me to the Mingshui Economic Development Zone, where the "heart" of China National Heavy Duty Truck (Sinotruk) is located—Jinan Power Company.
Inside the assembly workshop of Jinan Power, the hum of machines filled the air. On one side, the production line roared with activity, while on the other, dust settled in the corners. Visitors were required to wear shoe covers to maintain cleanliness. On the piston and connecting rod assembly line, young worker Li Xusheng explained that he had to complete over 90 engine assemblies daily. Similarly, Wang Xiaokun, who worked on the upper protection process, mentioned that some days could involve more than 100 units, even working overtime on weekends. Despite the intensity, all employees appeared energetic and proud of their work. When asked about income, most smiled and nodded, saying, “Not bad.â€
It’s hard to imagine that this thriving company once faced a financial crisis, suffering losses exceeding 9 billion yuan and nearly going bankrupt. However, by 2005, Sinotruk turned things around. Amid a 36% drop in the national heavy truck market, it achieved sales of 45,000 units, generating 23 billion yuan in revenue. It won several top honors, including the first heavy truck sale of over 300 horsepower and the best-selling model in the over-10-liter engine category. By September 2005, its market share surged from 4% to 28%, reclaiming its position as the industry leader.
From near bankruptcy to industry champion, what fueled this transformation? Facing an increasingly competitive market, how would Sinotruk continue its success during the “Eleventh Five-Year Plan†period?
The journey was not easy. In the late 1980s, state-owned enterprises like Sinotruk struggled with declining performance. By 1999, the company’s losses reached 800 million yuan. In August 2000, under government restructuring, CNHTC's assets were transferred to Shandong, Shaanxi, and Chongqing, leading to partial bankruptcy. By 2001, when the company reorganized into China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd., its liabilities reached 12.967 billion yuan, with accumulated losses exceeding 9 billion yuan.
When Ma Chunji took the helm in 2001, the situation was dire: outdated systems, chaotic management, excess inventory, and a loss of talent. Workers hadn’t received salaries for 13 months, and debt levels were among the highest in the industry. Many even protested in the streets. With limited resources, Ma initiated a turnaround, securing 3 million yuan from the government and raising 15 million from banks to restart operations. At the time, the company had 85,000 trucks but produced fewer than 10,000 annually. A policy aimed at reducing 50,000 staff added to the pressure.
Ma introduced a vision: “One year to break even, two years to profit, three years to develop.†Under his leadership, the company implemented four key strategies: technological innovation, management reform, marketing improvement, and corporate culture enhancement. Within three years, production and sales skyrocketed from 7,800 units in 2001 to 45,000 in 2004. Even in 2005, amid a market downturn, they maintained 45,000 units sold.
Today, Sinotruk has entered a new phase, focusing on four strategies: leading technology, low cost, regionalization, and internationalization. Its goal is to build a global brand and become a world-renowned heavy truck manufacturer.
Collaboration has also played a key role. In 2003, Sinotruk partnered with Volvo to establish Jinan Huawo Truck Co., producing advanced European models. This attracted international companies like those from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. Today, over a dozen firms have established partnerships with Sinotruk.
In 2004, Sinotruk launched the HOWO series, which quickly became a top-selling product in the mid-to-high-end market. In 2005, it set a record by exporting 10,000 vehicles overseas in a single batch.
On the engine front, Sinotruk partnered with Volvo and FAW, while joint ventures with German Man Company produced the King Prince series, reaching 10,000 units annually.
Sinotruk’s product lineup has expanded from a single platform to multiple series, including HOWO, Steyr, Gold Prince, Yellow River, Haojun, and Haoyun. It now offers over 1,700 models, covering a wide range of applications.
To maintain its position, Sinotruk continues to innovate and strengthen its core. After separating from Weichai Power, it invested heavily in building its own engine plant in Zhangqiu. Jinan Power, with a monthly capacity of 7,000 units, now meets most of its needs.
Technological improvements include 17 enhancements in injection, intake, exhaust, electrical, combustion, and cooling systems. Manufacturing uses flexible production and advanced equipment such as NCK2000 engine monitoring systems and cutting-edge painting lines. Components are sourced from global brands like Wiz, Delphi, Mahle, and Mibawa.
Currently, Sinotruk’s vehicle quality scores reach 480 points or lower, matching international standards. Engine overhaul mileage has reached 800,000 km, and the company continues to focus on fuel efficiency and emissions. In the second half of 2006, it plans to launch Euro III-compliant trucks.
At Jinan Fuqiang Power, the first domestic engine remanufacturing company, production has begun. Jointly owned with British firm Lister Petter, it currently produces 15,000 units annually.
In terms of market expansion, Sinotruk tailors products to regional needs. For example, the “Zhejiang Dump King†targets Zhejiang, while the “Suizhong Wang†is designed for cold climates in Northeast China. These efforts have led to strong sales growth.
Internationally, Sinotruk has made significant strides. In 2005, it exported over 4,500 vehicles, a 110-fold increase from 2003. In 2006, it signed a $350 million contract to export 10,000 HOWO7 trucks to Iran, marking the largest export deal for the domestic auto industry.
Looking ahead, Sinotruk aims to win the annual championship. In the first half of 2006, it sold 31,303 vehicles, up 34.78% year-on-year, with a market share of 20.41%. While still third overall, the gap with FAW and Dongfeng is narrowing.
Despite challenges, the company remains focused on its goals. By 2010, it aims to produce and sell 125,000 heavy trucks, with one-third of its market share domestically, one-third internationally, and one-third from new products.
Whether it can achieve these targets depends on market dynamics and continued innovation. As competition intensifies, Sinotruk faces both opportunities and challenges in its pursuit of excellence.
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