Over the past 20 years, the story of HOWO, a brand under China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC), reflects the remarkable rise of China’s heavy truck industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a global powerhouse, the industry has seen annual sales grow from tens of thousands to over a million units. HOWO has played a pivotal role in this journey, making significant contributions and setting numerous industry benchmarks.
The HOWO heavy truck, a flagship product under China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC), was launched in 2004. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, HOWO continues to thrive and stands as a testament to the significant advancements and achievements in the Chinese heavy truck industry.
Over the past 20 years, HOWO has consistently set new industry benchmarks. It took 13 years to reach the production milestone of 1 million units, and just over six more years to reach 2 million units, making it the first heavy truck brand in China to achieve such numbers. HOWO has also led the industry in exports for several consecutive years, earning its reputation as the “sales king” of China’s heavy truck market.
1. Learning from the Best and Embracing Advanced Technologies
Twenty years ago, China’s heavy truck industry lagged behind global standards. CNHTC recognized the need to learn from leading international companies.
In 2003, CNHTC partnered with Volvo to learn and adopt advanced heavy truck technologies. This collaboration led to the birth of the first HOWO truck in 2004, marking a significant step in aligning Chinese heavy truck technology with international standards.
CNHTC didn’t stop there. In 2009, they formed a strategic partnership with German truck giant MAN, introducing comprehensive vehicle and component manufacturing technologies. This partnership not only brought advanced production techniques but also ensured CNHTC retained majority control, setting a new model for international cooperation in China’s automotive industry. This laid a solid foundation for HOWO’s long-term development, leading to high-end product lines like the HOWO T series, which remain popular today.
2. Innovating with Intelligent Technology
As the heavy truck industry evolved towards more refined and intelligent manufacturing, HOWO continuously integrated the latest smart technologies into its products. In 2016, CNHTC developed the first intelligent HOWO truck, ushering in a new era of smart manufacturing. By 2018, the world’s first L4 level pure electric autonomous container truck, the HOWO T5G, began trial operations at Tianjin Port, setting a new industry record.
In 2020, 25 autonomous electric HOWO trucks operated at Tianjin Port, demonstrating China’s leading position in smart port operations. These intelligent HOWO trucks are now widely used in various scenarios like mines, ports, and logistics parks, showcasing the brand’s superior capabilities and contributing innovative solutions to the logistics industry.
3. Crafting Flagship Products Based on Market and User Needs
The longevity and success of the HOWO brand can be attributed to its focus on high-quality products and responsiveness to market and user needs. For example, in 2020, CNHTC launched upgraded HOWO TX and TH7 models to meet market demands, leading trends in the commercial vehicle industry. In 2021, they introduced the HOWO MAX, a model that emphasizes safety, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness, along with an extended warranty for National VI compliant components.
The recent focus on gas-powered trucks has also seen HOWO respond robustly, with the HOWO MAX gas truck achieving significant sales milestones. This proactive approach ensures HOWO remains a trusted and preferred choice among users.
Conclusion
Over the past 20 years, HOWO has consistently made strides in the heavy truck industry, becoming the first single heavy truck brand in China to surpass 2 million units in production and sales. As HOWO celebrates its 20th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the progress and potential of China’s heavy truck industry. Moving forward, CNHTC and the HOWO brand will continue to innovate and lead the industry, driving the future of China’s heavy trucks with technology and high-quality development.
