Recently, truck number 1500 rolled out of the production in Kapar, the manufacturing base for Sinotruk where Asia Automotive Industries (AAI) is based. When Sinotruk Malaysia started, prime movers were the first vehicles to be offered: 6 x 4, 6 x 2 and 4 x 2 HOWOs were the core of the product line-up. "Our strategy is working" says Mr. Loo, COO of Sinotruk Malaysia. The idea, according to him, was to bring in a product first that would allow the brand to establish itself through the ability to sell volume. "There is no point to start with SPVs as one does not reach critical mass fast enough. You need to start with products that can be purchased in batches by customers. This will allow for a rapid expansion, both in terms of vehicle sales and service network. How to handle service and maintenance of a only a few trucks?" he explains.

Today, the company has a wide range in the portfolio, covering prime movers, mixers and tippers. The latest addition is a new engine variant for the 6 x 4 prime mover, offering some 420 HP. This version of the HOWO will develop more torque at lower revs: 420 HP will be available at 2000 Rpm and 1850 Nm torque from 1100 - 1500 Rpm, which gives the HOWO even better fuel economy and pulling-power.

"We have now seen all sorts of applications for our trucks, from curtainsiders to sideloaders, tipper to mixers in various sizes." Loo says. Sinotruk has also invested heavily in a service network spanning both, Peninsular and East Malaysia. "I am excited to say that we are not only the first Chinese truck brand in Malaysia, but also the first Chinese truck brand that you will see when you go to MIBTC. It is going to be one show that you can't miss!"

Sinotruk can be found at MIBTC 2013 at booth M 05.