Dongfeng Trucks could be a brand you’ll soon hear a lot more about

China’s Dongfeng Trucks, which was established in 1969, makes its first appearance at the 65th IAA Exhibition in Hanover next week. There will be three trucks on their stand, the Dongfeng KX, the KL and the KR.

The KX is a new truck for fast and efficient long haul operations; the KL is for heavy long haul and regional distribution; and finally the KR, for Medium truck for regional and local distribution plus construction operations. A fourth range, the Dongfeng KC, a heavy construction, mining and other off-road operations truck will not be on display in Hanover.

The parent company Dongfeng Group is currently ranked 113th in the Fortune 500 list of companies with a revenue of $74 billion.

Amazingly, the Chinese market is the world’s largest global market for trucks, with a total market for heavy trucks equivalent to the European and North American markets combined. and Dongfeng is Chinese largest maker of heavy-duty trucks, with over 20 per cent market share.

Dongfeng Trucks develops and manufactures all main truck components such as: engines, gearboxes, axles, cabs and chassis. The production capacity is approximately 200,000 trucks a year. The trucks are designed for professional operators with demanding operations in a modern society with clean and efficient transportation in mind.  

“By participating in the IAA, Dongfeng Trucks will reinforce the awareness of our brand and products and further develop partnerships around the world.” said Gary Huang, President of Dongfeng Trucks. “Besides, Dongfeng Trucks will be represented by an entry in the 2014 – 2015 Volvo Ocean Race, which we have taken as part of our global marketing strategy. Participation in the world’s premier round the world yacht race, will further enhance and strengthen the Dongfeng brand, recognition and brand awareness.”

Dongfeng Trucks has established marketing and service networks in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America as well as Eastern Europe. The company is continuing to expand its worldwide sales and service network in new markets.                                                                                             

We wondered when will Western Europe be one of those new markets? It could be in the not too distant future, especially after their new alliance with Volvo (Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles) is expected to get final Chinese Government approval in the near future. 

In addition to the capital injection for their 45 per cent share holding, Dongfeng’s truck operations will also get access to Volvo’s technology and its distribution channels, the two companies said. That will further Dongfeng’s ambitions to become a global competitor in heavy-truck sales. “The Dongfeng brand will become a global brand. That is our ambition,” said Zhu Fushou, Dongfeng’s executive director and president.

“Dongfeng and Volvo will share resources in suppliers, manufacturing and international sales to achieve the best synergy,” he added.

Dongfeng has its own R&D and production resources in China. The product range covers heavy and medium duty trucks, for demanding operations in long haul, regional and local distribution and for tough construction, mining and off-road operations.

In addition to Dongfeng, almost all major truck makers in China have formed joint ventures withforeign partners to improve their technological strength. China National Heavy-duty Truck Corp (Sinotruk) has partnered with MAN, Jianghuai Automobile Co with US company Navistar, and Bejing-based Foton with Daimler.

Could this be the brand rumoured to interested in a strong CV importer here for our Irish distribution?