The heavy-duty truck market in China, particularly for vehicles over 8 tons, has seen a dramatic shift this year. The so-called "Big Two" — China FAW and Dongfeng Motor — have never experienced such a decline in market share. From January to May, their combined presence in the heavy-duty truck segment fell below 50%, a sharp drop from 83% in 2000. This marks a significant turning point in the industry.
Meanwhile, the rise of the “Steyr†group — composed of companies like Sinotruk (Zhongqi), Shaanxi Auto, Beiqi Foton, and Hongyan — has been remarkable. These firms have seen average sales growth of 30% to 40%, pushing their total market share to 46.91%. Just a few years ago, their combined share was just a single-digit percentage. This rapid ascent has disrupted the traditional dominance of the Big Two.
This shift is not just about competition between companies; it reflects broader trends in the automotive industry. The era of quasi-heavy trucks (vehicles between 8-15 tons) is fading fast. In 2000, these models accounted for 84.8% of the market, while true heavy trucks (over 15 tons) made up only 15.2%. By 2005, the ratio had shifted to 6:4, and this year, it's expected to be nearly 5.2:4.8. The decline of the Big Two is directly tied to this trend.
Looking at global trends, the future of the Chinese truck market appears to mirror that of the West. There, light trucks and high-tonnage heavy trucks dominate, with quasi-heavy trucks playing a minor role. As China moves toward more advanced and efficient vehicle standards, the market is gradually shifting toward both lighter and heavier trucks. This evolution is inevitable, and the decline of the Big Two is a natural consequence.
One key driver behind this change is the strict enforcement of regulations since 2004, aimed at curbing illegal overloading. These policies pushed the market toward higher-tonnage, more powerful trucks. The introduction of weight-based toll systems further accelerated this shift, making it less attractive for users to buy and operate quasi-heavy trucks. Consumers are now more rational, favoring real heavy trucks that meet current needs.
The Steyr companies, especially Sinotruk, were pioneers in the 15-ton heavy truck segment as early as 1989. However, they struggled due to limited demand, lower truck capacity, and high prices. With those challenges now gone, Steyr’s resurgence makes sense. The 15-ton market is aligning with a full-scale upgrade of the heavy truck industry.
The battle between the Big Two and Steyr has become intense. FAW launched its "Aowei" series to challenge the 15-ton segment, while Dongfeng introduced its "Dragon" model. Meanwhile, Steyr companies are aggressively expanding their networks. CNHTC aims to grow its dealership and service stations to 2,000 within two to three years. Shaanxi Auto, Foton, and Weichai have formed a strategic alliance to strengthen their marketing reach. Hongyan is also accelerating joint ventures and expanding into underdeveloped regions like East China.
Experts believe that what once seemed weak is now becoming strong. As the market slows down, Steyr is gaining ground, and the path to revitalizing the Big Two looks increasingly challenging. The truck industry is evolving rapidly, and the new players are no longer just competitors — they're shaping the future of the market.
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