In the Chinese market, German commercial vehicle giant MAN has often appeared to be moving at a slower pace compared to its competitors. While Daimler and Volvo dominate the import car sales, MAN struggles to make a significant impact. Both Daimler and Volvo have already established joint ventures in China, but as the world’s third-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, MAN has yet to find the right partner to expand its presence in the country.
Faced with such a huge opportunity, why has MAN lagged behind? Is it due to hesitation or over-caution?
According to the press release from the strategic cooperation agreement, MAN acquired a 25% plus one share in Sinotruk for 560 million euros. Sinotruk holds a leading position in China's heavy truck market, and the collaboration aims to develop new truck models. This move signals a shift in strategy for MAN, which traditionally focused on technology transfer rather than equity investments.
The decision to invest 560 million euros in Sinotruk instead of adopting the usual method of technology licensing or establishing a joint venture marks a major change. It could be seen as a compromise, but it also shows a more committed approach.
A source involved in the negotiations told "Commercial Automotive News" that earlier talks between MAN and Hongyan were challenging. MAN had always preferred selling technology and recouping funds quickly, as seen in past agreements with several domestic truck companies. However, this time, MAN chose to invest heavily in Sinotruk, showing a clear shift in strategy.
Is it because MAN lacks capital? No, the company has plenty. Since 2006, MAN has spent billions on acquiring Scania, a high-margin business. They've also invested in Brazil and India, becoming major shareholders in local joint ventures. So, the question remains: why now?
Some say it's due to MAN's "Chinese Dream." The company has been active in the Chinese market for over 100 years. In recent decades, Chinese truck companies that imported Steyr technology from MAN subsidiaries have flourished. Yet, despite these efforts, Daimler and Volvo have taken the lead in the market.
Cooperation with domestic truck companies like Hongyan, Shaanxi Auto, and Weichai has never stopped, but each attempt faced unique challenges. For example, early discussions with Hongyan involved engine production bases in coastal areas, not central regions. MAN was only willing to sell cab technology, while Hongyan wanted continuous technology transfer—leading to no agreement.
In 2004, Shaanxi Auto introduced MAN’s F2000 cab technology, but later negotiations stalled when MAN demanded the use of its logo, which Shaanxi Auto refused.
Weichai followed in 2007, but despite initial enthusiasm, the joint venture didn’t materialize.
Ultimately, the weakening influence of multinational companies in China’s joint ventures may have pushed MAN to rethink its approach.
In 2009, Daimler and Foton finally settled on a joint venture where Mercedes-Benz technology would be branded under Foton, with Daimler’s core components labeled “Dummul Power.†This marked a departure from traditional Sino-foreign joint ventures.
Now, MAN is handing over advanced technologies—including D08, D20, and D26 engines, axles, cabs, TGA vehicle tech, and service support—to Sinotruk. For less than 900 million yuan, this partnership could become another classic case of successful Sino-foreign collaboration in the commercial vehicle sector.
Huangjiu
Gu Yue Long Shan Huangjiu uses quality glutinous rice, wheat and water from the Jian Lake as raw materials. And its brewing technique has a history of thousands of years. The brewing process strictly follows the ancient traditions. Wine yeast is made in Lunar July, wheat koji in Lunar August and fermented rice wine in Lunar September. On begining of Winter, raw materials are put into production and the brewing process starts. After a unique complex fermentation process that lasts over 90 days, processing and decocting start on Beginning of Spring of the following year. Then, the wine is filled into jar and sealed by mud and carefully stored. The rice wine will finally achieve a top-grade quality after being stored for several years or even decades.
Shaoxing Wine,Jia Fan Rice Wine,Glass Bottle Wine,Yellow Rice Wine In Glass Bottle
ZHEJIANGGUYUELONGSHAN SHAOXING WINE CO.,LTD. , https://www.chinashaoxingwine.com